#FactsFirstPH members use comics, video explainers to empower voters
MANILA, Philippines — With the 2025 midterm elections coming, consumption of information about local candidates is critical more than ever.
The information we consume not only influences our voting decisions, but also shapes the leadership that will govern the country in the years to come.
Members of the #FactsFirstPH coalition, including Rappler, Pitik Bulag, Explained PH, and News5, stepped up to promote voter empowerment and accountability. From informative comics to edutainment videos, these organizations leverage social media to amplify the #AmbagNatin campaign, which aims to empower voters ahead of the elections.
Pitik Bulag’s comic strip competition
Artist collective Pitik Bulag uses editorial cartoons and comics as tools for advocating for press freedom and the fight for facts. The group hosted a comic strip competition in the public art chat room of the Rappler Communities app to amplify the #AmbagNatin campaign.
Public art chat room member Timothy Andrei Milambiling won first place for his artwork that highlighted the challenge of fact-checking among voters and the crucial role of media literate individuals in combating disinformation.
His artwork also underscored the importance of community engagement in making informed choices.
Second and third best artworks came from chat room members Fiana and Cesar Camba, respectively. Fiana’s piece highlighted widespread election bribery, while Cesar emphasized the importance of voting wisely for a child’s future.
Another standout entry by user jascribbler depicted how fake news continues to mislead Filipinos, while shedding light on the need for countermeasures to ensure a fair election environment.
Explained PH on AI-generated videos, disinformation
Explained PH supported the #AmbagNatin project by unpacking the rise of deepfake and AI-generated videos.
This edutainment video explains what deepfake and AI-generated videos are, how to spot them, and why fact-checking is crucial before sharing content online, especially as elections approach.
Explained PH also released a comic on trolls and overseas voting, advocating against fake news and promoting voter empowerment.
An illustration by jascribbler encapsulates the misinformation spread by online trolls which intensifies during elections. It reminds voters to stay cautious and rely on credible sources.
User JKR’s illustration highlights the voting power of overseas Filipinos despite being far from home. It also serves as a reminder for them to register for the upcoming elections and stay informed about new voting methods.
Rappler’s 2025 election guide
Rappler provides a comprehensive summary of key details for the 2025 elections, including updates on overseas voting. For the first time, overseas Filipinos will have the option to vote online.
News5 election surveys
As part of the #AmbagNatin campaign, News5 tackled election surveys, explaining their relevance and common misconceptions.
Through this video, it clarified that while election survey results provide insights into voter preferences, they do not determine election outcomes.
Political analyst Jean Franco highlighted that election surveys reflect the voices of voters and play a role in democracy. This video also emphasized that surveys should serve as a guide, but voters must still think critically in choosing their leaders.
#AmBAGnatin Challenge Pasigueños on 2025 Elections
Rappler’s #AmBAGNatin challenge in Pasig City gives voters a platform to share their views on candidates and key election issues. Participants draw questions from a bayong and share their thoughts on leadership and governance.
The challenge also allows Pasig City residents to discuss how voters can contribute (ambag) to building a better future for the city’s youth. — Zebedee Custodio-Lucas/Rappler.com
Zebedee Custodio-Lucas is a Rappler volunteer of MovePH. He is a junior Communication Major at the University of Santo Tomas – Manila. He is also a writer of Tiger Media Network, the official broadcasting arm of UST.