In celebration of Safer Internet Day and as part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring TikTok remains a creative, safe, and positive space for its Philippine community, TikTok organized a series of events with civil society organizations, safety experts, creators, and election watchdogs. These efforts aimed to address emerging threats, safeguard the integrity of elections, and maintain a safe and positive environment on the platform.
Briefing Session with Philippine Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
On February 11, TikTok hosted a closed-door session with 30 civil society organizations specializing in child safety, misinformation, women’s rights, human exploitation, mental health, and disaster relief. This session aimed to foster a deeper understanding of local concerns and context.
The session included TikTok Public Policy Manager Peachy Paderna, TikTok Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships Manager Waskito Jati, Internews Project Manager Gian Libot, Legal Network of Truthful Elections (LENTE) Executive Director Atty. Ona Caritos, and TikTok Safety Advisory Council member and Creator Mona Magno-Veluz (@mightymagulang). The group participated in a series of panel discussions on topics such as safety, misinformation, election integrity, and responsible content creation.
Atty. Ona Caritos, Executive Director of LENTE, emphasized the importance of ensuring truthful elections for the Filipino people: “As misinformation continues to challenge elections, we are excited to build on our collaboration with TikTok, which began in 2022. We look forward to deepening our partnership for the 2025 elections and beyond, promoting digital literacy and ensuring a space for Filipinos to access credible, verified information.”
Waskito Jati, TikTok’s Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships Manager for APAC, added: “At TikTok, we encourage users to express themselves authentically and creatively in a safe and positive environment. We are committed to maintaining a space for respectful expression and ensuring everyone can share their voice without fear of harm. While TikTok is a global company, we take a localized approach to content moderation and regulatory compliance and value our continued engagement with local organizations.”
Participating organizations in the event included the Ateneo Human Rights Center, Center of Migrant Advocacy, Child Fund Philippines, Child Rights Coalition (CRC) Asia, Child Rights Network (CRN) Philippines, EPCAT Philippines, International Justice Mission (IJM), Internews, Plan International Pilipinas, Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Save the Children Philippines, Stairway Foundation, Terre des Hommes Netherlands in Asia (TDH), and the UP Institute of Human Rights.
Briefing Session with Filipino Creators
In partnership with the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP), TikTok hosted a closed-door session with 40 creators to educate them about TikTok’s Community Guidelines and election policies, while encouraging participation in the #ThinkTwice Digital Literacy Campaign. Safety Advisory Council Member and TikTok Creator Mona Magno-Veluz (@mightymagulang) joined TikTok Public Policy Manager Peachy Paderna for a panel discussion on responsible content creation.
“TikTok provides us creators with a space where we can share our thoughts, showcase our creativity, and connect with our community. But while we have the freedom to express ourselves, we are also responsible for the content that we post and share. We can help ensure that TikTok remains a safe and positive platform for creative expression and authenticity by educating ourselves and our community on how to be digitally literate and responsible online users,” said Mona Magno-Veluz, TikTok Safety Advisory Council member and TikTok Creator.
“The CICP acknowledges the responsibility of creators and influencers in creating a safe and positive online space, especially as we approach the Philippine midterm elections. We appreciate TikTok’s efforts to educate us and our stakeholders on their Community Guidelines and policies, and look forward to working together to promote transparency and uphold high ethical standards”, said Jel Directo, President of the CICP.
Briefing Session with Election Watchdogs
As part of its partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), LENTE, and the National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), TikTok organized closed-door sessions with government agencies, civil society organizations, and election watchdogs to discuss its efforts to ensure election integrity. The sessions also provided an opportunity to review TikTok’s Government, Politician, and Political Party Accounts Policies.
Government agencies in attendance included the Bangsamoro Information Office, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and the Philippine Information Agency.
The civil society organizations represented included Active Vista/Dakila, the Center for Migrant Advocacy, iDEFEND, the Democratic Insights Group, the Philippine Alliance for Human Rights Advocates, and Samahan ng mga Nagkakaisang Pamilyang Pilipino (Council of United Filipino Families).
Election watchdogs present included the National Citizens’ Movement For Free Elections (NAMFREL) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).
“NAMFREL National Chairperson Angel S. Averia, Jr. said, “We welcome TikTok’s initiative to provide a platform for reliable election information. This partnership is a valuable tool for promoting transparency and educating Filipinos on their electoral rights and responsibilities. By working together, we can combat misinformation and ensure a fair electoral process.”
