Mediaboss Marketing

by Rappler.com Posted on 03/10/2014 5:56 PM |Updated 03/10/2014 6:12 PM

CLAIM YOUR POWER. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago at a campaign rally in 2010. She says there would be less rallies because of the power of social media. Photo from her official Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines "The future of political warfare will take place online."

Thus predicted Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago who believes that social media, and not multi-billion-peso campaign funds, will influence the outcome of the 2016 elections.

It is entirely possible that the 2016 presidential and senatorial elections will be determined by social media, Santiago told Assumption College students in Makati City, Monday, March 10.

The senator, who was invited for the school's Communication Week, said that while some candidates have reportedly hired social media experts to improve their bid in the next national elections, netizens have the power to negate the chances of undeserving candidates through social media.

"The crooked candidates are already hiring professionals to dominate and maybe even control the social media. But such is the power of social media that netizens will be able to beat the candidates with unexplained wealth and their criminal campaign contributors," she said.

Santiago said that various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have provided a venue where people can "easily and inexpensively" contact each other and share their opinions and experiences.

"Social media therefore lowers traditional socio-economic barriers to commanding the spotlight. The power of the rich politicians becomes more porous, and the political warlords have less control," she said.

'Claim your power'

Read more from the original source:
Miriam: Social media, not money, will influence 2016 polls