Google to ban political advertising as Filipino election looms closer

Google will ban political advertising on its platform in the run-up to the Filipino election next year

The move comes amid pressure on social media platforms over their handling of political advertising during the US presidential election in 2020.

Many platforms have become political battlegrounds in the Southeast Asian nation, with studies showing Filipinos top the rankings for time spent on social media around the world.

Election advertisements that promote or oppose any political party or the candidacy of any person or party for public office, would not be allowed to run between Feb. 8 to May 9, 2022, Google said in an update to its political content policy.

The dates cover the period of campaigning in the Philippines up to the May 9 election date.

Google has banned political advertising on its platform before, including in Canada’s federal election in 2019 and before an election in Singapore in 2020.

Social media platforms like Facebook have helped strengthen President Duterte’s support base. Analysts regarding social media posts and updates as instrumental in his election victory in 2016 and a rout by his allies in mid-term polls last year.

Google says notifications will be sent to affected advertisers about the policy update.