The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned that candidates who use deepfake videos and artificial intelligence (AI) during the May 2025 midterm elections risk legal action.
It would be dangerous to use the new technology to advance one's candidacy, the head of the poll body stated.
“I will propose to the Commission en banc that we make it as an election offense case as well as disqualification charges," Comelec chief Erwin Garcia said in an interview.
"The entire country could face chaos if we allow the presence of AI and deepfake because it can make it appear that a person is bad, or very good, or good-looking when it is not true," he added.
Filing complaints
Comelec Chairman George Garcia remarked that candidates who employ deepfakes and artificial intelligence will face complaints.
“We will issue a resolution, which will be the basis in filing cases against the candidates,” Garcia said. “They can appeal the case before the Supreme Court if they think there’s something wrong with the resolution.
It would also be beneficial if the general public took part and brought about the initial accusations against these candidates, he added.
Earlier, Garcia requested that the Comelec en banc forbid the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology throughout the polling season of the next year, with no verdict yet.
AI use as misinterpretation
Garcia pointed out that the legislation permits the Comelec to control the candidates' campaign materials. He also made the point that using deepfakes and AI is the same as fraud.
“The abuse of this technology in campaign materials such as videos, audios, or other media forms may amount to fraudulent misrepresentation of candidates,”
“This defeats the very purpose of a campaign, which is to fully and truthfully inform the voting public about the elections and the candidates,”
Aside from the duties mentioned by Comelec, Garcia advocates for legislation to control political candidates' social media presence.
