59 BAYAN MUNA Partylist Chairperson and former Congressman Neri Colmenares condemned the exploitation of the country’s Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS) by unscrupulous political candidates to disseminate partisan campaign messages, characterizing it as a “gross and dangerous violation of public trust.”
Colmenares, the primary author of Republic Act No. 10639, known as the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act, emphasized that the legislation was intended solely for the preservation of life during catastrophes and emergencies, not for political purposes.
“Inihanda namin ang batas na ito upang iligtas ang buhay ng mga mamamayan sa panahon ng sakuna—hindi upang gamitin sa pangangampanya ng mga politiko.” This constitutes a flagrant misuse of a life-saving system and warrants condemnation,” he stated.
The ex-lawmaker responded to reports of emergency alerts received by citizens in multiple regions, which included campaign slogans and recent notifications encouraging voters to endorse specific political families. These alerts, intended to replicate genuine emergency notices, have elicited significant public indignation and prompted inquiries by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
“We passed RA 10639 to enable the government to alert the public regarding typhoons, earthquakes, or other perilous occurrences—not to provide undue exposure to political dynasties or traditional politicians.” Colmenares stated that if substantiated, this is not only unethical and unlawful, but also a derision of the legal system and public safety.
“This is a warning for earthquakes, floods, and typhoons—not a warning to citizens about the impending arrival of political opportunists,” he continued.
Colmenares cautioned that the improper use of the ECBS erodes public confidence in legitimate emergency notifications, potentially jeopardizing lives in future disasters as individuals may disregard genuine warnings owing to prior exploitation of the system.
“Each instance of misuse of this system undermines the credibility of emergency alerts.” In the event of the next disaster, individuals may disregard them—and that could result in fatalities,” he underscored.
Bayan Muna and other constituents of the Makabayan bloc are imploring the NTC and the DICT to promptly investigate and ascertain the perpetrators of the unlawful broadcasts, and for the COMELEC to impose penalties on candidates found to have exploited governmental systems for electoral advantage, including potential disqualification.
“Utilize the campaign funds, do not exploit the public safety system.” Ang mga kandidatong nagsasagawa nito ay nararapat na madisqualify. “You are unworthy of leadership if you employ such unscrupulous and perilous tactics,” Colmenares concluded.
Bayan Muna pledges to persist in monitoring developments and to initiate suitable legal and congressional measures to ensure accountability for criminals.
In reaction to the exploitation of the Emergency Alert System for political propaganda by politicians, Orli Marcelino, spokesperson for Bayan Muna, asserted that the corrupt and rotting political system in the country would need replacement.
Friday, April 11, at 8:30 p.m. (Zoom link: https://qrco.de/bft9Wo), with Neri Colmenares, a well-known
Filipino political figure among Filipino compatriots, as the featured guest. (Photo: Bayan Muna Canada)
“Walang maitutulong na mabuti ang mga trapo sa ating bayan kundi ang manira at magpakalat ng maling impormasyon na lalong naglalagay sa panganib ang ating mga kababayan. Dapat nating palitan ang bulok na sistema ng pamumulika sa bansa,” stated Orli Marcelino, spokesperson for Bayan Muna Canada.
Bayan Muna Canada, Bayan Canada, and Malaya Canada are hosting an online “miting de avance” event on Friday, April 11, at 8:30 p.m. ( Zoom link: https://qrco.de/bft9Wo) in which Neri Colmenares, a well-known Filipino political figure among Filipino compatriots, will be the featured guest. The online event is anticipated to highlight the 59 Bayan Muna Partylist platforms, including the programs and plan of action, and to demonstrate that 59 Bayan Muna is the most suitable and deserving partylist for the impending midterm elections. ###