Safeguard integrity of BSKE polls, Comelec urged

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, has urged the Commission on Elections to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on Monday. 

In an interview, on Tuesday, 24 October, during an inspection of projects he supported in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, Go encouraged Filipinos to exercise their right to vote and to be discerning in choosing candidates they believe can contribute to the development of their respective communities. 

The senator also suggested a set of criteria for voters when selecting candidates. He advised those running for position to  always prioritize the welfare of their constituents and to take to heart the essence of public service they are aspiring for. 

Go likewise cautioned voters to be more discerning during the campaign period amid reported use of artificial intelligence to enhance images of candidates in campaign materials, saying that the integrity of the election lies on the truthfulness of those participating in it. 

While acknowledging the innovative aspects of AI, he also expressed caution, and emphasized the ethical implications that come with this technological advancement. He specifically pointed out that AI applications have the capability to alter facial features, which could potentially violate truthfulness of candidates. 

The senator stressed the importance of transparency in elections and warned against the misuse of AI for deceptive purposes for candidates to gain "visual edge" beyond what is deemed truthful such as enhancing one's image in campaign materials. 

In another topic, Go has urged Filipinos to be more vigilant and prioritize their health by observing proper hygiene in the wake of an alarming increase in typhoid cases across the country. According to the Department of Health, at least 17,531 cases of typhoid have been recorded this year. 

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed his concern for the growing number of typhoid cases and called upon the Filipino people to take immediate action to protect their health and that of their loved ones.