BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The public should not believe everything they read on social media but should seek the truth and scrutinize very well the candidates they will vote for in the May 9 elections, Jose Aguto Africa, executive director of IBON Foundation, said during the launching of the Public Interest Forum in Bacolod City yesterday.
Africa said they held a press conference to combat massive disinformation circulating in social media all over the country. “We can help ensure a credible election by exposing the truth instead of misleading the people by spreading false information.”
Msgr. Felix Pasquin said they hope to make people aware of the truth because they have observed that there are certain groups who are focused on destroying certain candidates.
“The worst illiterate is the political illiterate. He hears nothing, he sees nothing, he takes no part in political life,” he said qouting Bertolt Becht.
Africa said “We believe we will have an intense fight on May 9. So, we should use our vote wisely.”
In an interview, Africa meanwhile, said that they believe that the disinformation being spread by the camp of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be destructive to the country’s democracy. If they bring this to Malacañang, the country will be facing more massive disinformation in the coming years and behind this, more widespread corruption will happen, widespread political dynasty and dictatorship. It may not be as bad as what former President Ferdinand Marcos did but they will be attacking all oppositions just to remain in power.
“But for us in the IBON Foundation, a Marcos presidency will clearly not be good for the country,” he said.
Africa reminded the people not to believe misinformation on social media but should seek the truth and scrutinize the candidates well. “It is clear that a Marcos presidency is dangerous since he is not qualified. So do not endorse a candidate who do not deserve to return to Malacañang. Because the return of the Marcoses in Malacañang would be very harmful to the Philippines.”*
