Team DailyPedia
An online troll, as defined by the Urban Dictionary, is “one who posts a deliberately provocative message… with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument.”
As candidates mud-sling and take potshots at each other, the emotions of their supporters and fans have begun to run high as well. It’s no wonder that during this election period, the presence of online trolls on social media seems to have doubled. People have even resorted to creating fake stories and memes to discredit certain candidates or to have supporters switch votes.
But election lawyer Romeo Macalintal cautions that these so-called trolls may be charged and jailed for violating election laws.
A GMA News online article quotes Macalintal as saying, “Iyon na lamang gagawa ka ng mga tsismis, mga balita na hindi naman pala totoo na magcau-cause ng harm sa taumbayan o sa mangyayaring halalan, (Creating rumors, or news that are fake, which can cause harm to people or the upcoming elections,) that is an election offense.”
Macalintal considers trolling a grave offense, “…Kahit sabihin pa natin na sa social media iyan, dapat imbestigahan din iyan. (Even if it’s only on social media, it must be investigated.)”
Under Article XXII Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, among those guilty of committing an election offense include “Any person who, for the purpose of disrupting or obstructing the election process or causing confusion among the voters, propagates false and alarming reports or information or transmits or circulates false orders, directives or messages regarding any matter relating to the printing of official ballots, the postponement of the election, the transfer of polling place or the general conduct of the election.”
If found guilty, a person could be sentenced to between one to six years imprisonment and could be deprived of the right to vote.
