As the 2019 national elections in the Philippines draw near, more and more fake news are surfacing online that are aimed at forming incorrect public perception about some candidates and swaying voters who are active in the internet.
Thankfully, there’s now a website that Pinoys can visit to check if certain election-related information presented on websites, blogs, and social media apps are true and accurate.
Tsek.ph is a collaborative fact-checking project that was initiated by the academe – specifically the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University – and media agencies – including ABS-CBN, PhilStar, Rappler, Interaksyon, Vera Files, MindaNews, DZUP, and others – to counter disinformation and provide the public with verified information.
To quote the website, Tsek.ph will verify and fact-check claims made in connection with the 2019 Philippines’ elections, including the following:
1. Platforms and campaign promises of candidates;
2. Election-related statements and remarks made by candidates, personalities, government agencies, and other entities; and
3. Election-related posts on social media, blogs and other platforms.
Pinoys online are also encouraged to submit unverified links to online articles and social media posts via Tsek.ph’s “Submit A Claim” tab for fact-checking.
Tsek.ph is guided by the Code of Principles of the International Fact-checking Network that is committed to non-partisanship and fairness, funding and methodology, transparency of sources, and openness to corrections.
