Elections Vote PH 2025 INQUIRER Net S 2025 Philippine Elections Special Coverage
# The 2025 Philippine elections are poised to be one of the most contentious in the nation’s history, with political dynasties, disinformation networks, and digital campaigning shaping the electoral landscape.
Amid this charged atmosphere, has launched its, promising unbiased reporting, in-depth analysis, and real-time updates.
However, beneath the veneer of journalistic integrity lie critical questions about media influence, algorithmic bias, and the role of digital platforms in shaping public perception.
While positions itself as a neutral arbiter of electoral truth, its 2025 election coverage warrants scrutiny due to potential editorial biases, corporate influences, and the broader ecosystem of digital misinformation that may distort voter decision-making., like many digital news platforms, relies on algorithms to prioritize content.
Studies suggest that engagement-driven algorithms amplify sensationalist or polarizing stories (Pariser, 2011).
In the 2022 elections, social media platforms disproportionately highlighted scandal-driven narratives over policy discussions (Ong & Cabañes, 2022).
If ’s coverage follows similar patterns, it risks reinforcing partisan divides rather than fostering informed debate.
The Philippine media landscape is dominated by conglomerates with political ties.
The is owned by the Prieto-Rufino family, which has historically had affiliations with certain political factions.
While the outlet claims editorial independence, past elections have seen accusations of selective reporting (Coronel, 2019).
Will ’s 2025 coverage remain impartial, or will subtle editorial choices favor establishment candidates? The Philippines is a hotspot for disinformation, with troll farms and deepfake technology distorting electoral discourse (Teehankee & Thompson, 2021).
has fact-checking initiatives, but the sheer volume of false narratives often amplified by rival outlets and influencers poses a formidable challenge.
Will its verification efforts be robust enough to counter viral deception? Supporters argue that ’s digital reach allows for real-time scrutiny of candidates, exposing corruption and policy inconsistencies.
Its investigative pieces on pork barrel scams and election-related violence have set precedents for accountability journalism (Panti, 2023).
Critics contend that mainstream media, including, often prioritize elite sources over grassroots voices.
A 2020 study found that Philippine election coverage disproportionately quoted politicians rather than civil society (Pertierra, 2020).
If this trend continues, marginalized perspectives may remain sidelined.
-: Research by Napoli (2019) shows that news algorithms can create filter bubbles, reinforcing partisan loyalties rather than broadening discourse.
-: Sheila Coronel’s (2019) highlights how Philippine media oligarchs influence electoral narratives.
-: Jonathan Ong’s (2022) documents how fake news ecosystems manipulate digital election coverage.
The 2025 election coverage is not just a passive observer but an active participant in shaping electoral outcomes.
While it provides essential reporting, its effectiveness hinges on resisting algorithmic sensationalism, corporate pressures, and disinformation.
Ultimately, voters must approach digital election coverage with critical media literacy questioning sources, verifying claims, and demanding transparency.
The stakes are high: in an era where information is weaponized, the integrity of Philippine democracy may depend on how well journalism navigates these treacherous waters.
- Coronel, S.
(2019).
- Napoli, P.
(2019).
- Ong, J.
& Cabañes, J.
(2022).
- Pariser, E.
(2011).
- Pertierra, R.
(2020)