THE UNIVERSITY has joined academic institutions, newsrooms, and election and civic groups in GMA Network’s campaign to deliver credible and comprehensive information about the 2025 midterm elections.
Represented by Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel O.P., UST, alongside about 50 other institutions, formalized the partnership during the ceremonial signing of the “Dapat Totoo” campaign on Nov. 11.
GMA Network President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto Duavit Jr. said the partnership is aimed at helping Filipinos make informed decisions in 2025 by delivering truthful and timely information.
“Together, we are here to ensure that every Filipino…has access to information that is comprehensive, timely, accurate, in order to make objective and empowered decisions at the polls,” Duavit said in his speech.
”Let us continue to safeguard our country’s democracy. May the upcoming elections be a time to unite, not divide. May today remind us all to keep fighting the good fight in pursuit of truth,” he added.
In a Facebook post, UST encouraged Thomasians to vote responsibly in the May 2025 polls, where local government officials, representatives, and senators will be selected.
“We encourage the entire Thomasian community to be engaged as responsible voters this coming May 2025. Let us get to know the issues, the personalities, and the platforms as we arrive at an informed decision on whom to vote for,” it said.
Other schools participating in the campaign include the University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and National University.
Also supporting “Dapat Totoo” are news organizations such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, and Manila Times, and journalist groups like the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and the Manila Overseas Press Club.
Election watchdogs Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, and Legal Network for Truthful Elections have also joined the initiative.
Telecommunications companies PLDT and Smart Communications, video-sharing platform YouTube, and the Commission on Elections are signatories to the campaign as well.
After signing, the partner organizations’ representatives were asked to place their hands on their chests to symbolize their commitment to upholding the truth. They also interlocked arms, signifying a “united stand against fake news and misinformation.”
UST is also a partner of GMA Network’s “Panata Kontra Fake News” (Pledge to Combat Fake News) campaign, which was launched in August as a broad initiative against fake news and disinformation.
Over 18,000 officials will be elected in the midterm elections set for May 12, 2025, including 12 senators and 17,942 governors, provincial board members, mayors, and councilors.
