The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has strongly condemned the use of the Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS) for election campaigning in the upcoming national and local elections. This statement comes after reports emerged that many residents in various provinces have been receiving messages encouraging them to vote for specific candidates.
In a release, the OCD emphasized that the use of ECBS for political campaigning is strictly prohibited and dangerous.
According to the agency, ECBS should only be used to disseminate life-saving information during emergencies such as earthquakes, typhoons, and other situations that may pose a threat to public safety. Using the system for political purposes could hinder the effective distribution of emergency alerts and may even present an imminent threat to the lives of Filipinos.
Meanwhile, the agency reminded candidates that the ECBS is reserved for urgent emergency notifications and should not be exploited as a campaign platform. The OCD warned that misuse of the system could lead to confusion, especially during critical crises in the country.
Several service providers have confirmed that they are not utilizing the ECBS for non-emergency purposes. The OCD has urged these providers to ensure the integrity of their emergency alert systems and to use them solely for their intended purpose.
