AFP reminds soldiers: Don't engage in partisan politics in social media

MANILA, Philippines - The military on Monday reminded soldiers to be careful in using social networking accounts and to make sure that they do not promote or denigrate any candidate or political party.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato said liking, sharing information or commenting about a candidate would be construed as engaging in partisan politics and could lead to sanctions.

“Even liking or sharing in social media, these border on or constitute partisanship, which is prohibited,” Detoyato said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo.

“The soldiers are reminded on the proper use of the social media. There are very harsh repercussions (for violators),” he added.  

 Detoyato said those who would be caught promoting or criticizing candidates or political groups may be demoted, discharged or lose their benefits.

He also has warning for soldiers who use anonymous accounts for political purposes.  

“They can but if they are caught, they will suffer,” Detoyato said, adding that the only partisan activity soldiers are allowed to perform is to vote.  

The military, nevertheless, is confident that soldiers will remain apolitical during the election season.

Detoyato said the military has recovered from the stigma of the “Hello Garci” scandal, which raised doubts about the credibility of the 2004 elections.

“We did not have similar incidents in the past elections,” he said.

In 2005, some generals were accused of rigging the 2004 polls after their names were mentioned in the so-called “Hello Garci” tapes.

The wiretapped recordings allegedly described the ways the canvassing was manipulated to ensure the reelection of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In the audio files, a woman believed to be Arroyo was asking a man said to be then Commission on Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano if she could win by more than one million votes.

Arroyo apologized for talking to an election official but was silent on accusations that she benefited from poll fraud.