PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) throws its support behind the presidential and vice presidential debates organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Teaming up with Impact Hub Manila, the organization behind Vote Pilipinas, the official voter information campaign partner of Comelec, Smart is an official partner and official network provider of ‘PiliPinas Debates 2022: The Turning Point.’
“Voting is an inalienable right of the Filipinos. As the country’s leading mobile services provider, Smart is in a unique position to support the Comelec in helping voters choose our country’s next leaders and ignite their passion to live smart and vote smart,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.
Powered by Smart’s 5G network, recognized as the country’s fastest mobile network by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband intelligence, online audiences enjoyed a seamless experience while Smart customers were able to monitor the March debates on their smartphone without any interruption.
The Comelec has lined up two presidential debates in March and April, while vice presidential candidates took the podium in March. The Comelec also plans to hold separate town hall format debates later in April. The debate series aims to help voters scrutinize the candidates as the country inches closer to the May 9 polls.
In 2021, Smart and Vote Pilipinas formalized their partnership to help drive an information campaign aimed at igniting the youth’s passion to be counted, be informed, be heard, and be one with all Filipinos in nation-building. With more than 18 million Filipinos belonging to the 18-39-year-old range, Gen Zs and millennials make up the biggest bulk of the voting population.
These efforts are in line with the commitment of Vote Pilipinas and Smart to help the country attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly UNSDG 16 which calls for strong institutions.
