CEBU CITY, Cebu — The Commission on Elections Central Visayas (Comelec-7) is reminding local social media (SocMed) influencers to register and accredit themselves with their office if they would be campaigning for a candidate in this year's upcoming national and local elections.

According to Comelec-VII director Francisco Pobe, social media influencers may submit their application for accreditation only in Manila as this has been centralized on instructions of Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia.

Pobe, however, clarified that applicants fir accreditation can tap Comelec-VII and provide their information, after which the latter would recommend them to Manila.

The Comelec regional director added that the local Comelec offices would inform the Central Office that they would be monitoring social media influencers but since they could not monitor all social media influencers in the area due to limited manpower, he is asking the community for assistance.

“[If] there’s a leaning of giving favor to a certain candidate or certain political personalities, just tell us para among ma recommend sa Manila for checking,” Pobe cited.

“Ang purpose lang ana is ma account nato who are these personalities whether they are being paid for by the political candidates to expand their propaganda activities or election campaign activities,” he also explained while stressing that the move would ensure that everyone has an equal and fair opportunity to use the online space.