SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Monday stressed that the Commission on Elections’ move to verify the YouTube accounts of election candidates is needed to quell misinformation online.

Lacson, who is running for president under Partido Reporma, said that social media platforms have the potential to misinform the public if they are left unchecked.

“I couldn’t agree more with the Comelec on this move. The use of social media platforms has almost become the qualifying barometer in educating — but ironically, also disinforming to the point of deceiving — our people,” he said.

Lacson called for similar moves in other social media platforms to encourage responsibility and accountability.

This will help greatly in preparing Filipino voters to select the right leader on May 9, 2022, he added.

“Left unchecked, social media could lead to wrong choices of officials who will have the unenviable task of leading our country in its most trying times,” he said.