Here's a copy of the proposed social media policy for members of Presidential Communications and Operations Offices employees, and accredited bloggers. Feel free to give suggestions, you can course your comments thru Facebook Page @PresidentialCom

1. WORKING DRAFT (as of 21 February 2017)
Presidential Communications Operations Office
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MC No. __ s. 20172
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MEMORANDUM FROM THE SECRETARY4
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TO : All Heads of Offices, Bureaus and Agencies of the6
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO),7
and All Others Concerned8
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SUBJECT : PCOO SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY10
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DATE : __ February 201712
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I. POLICY STATEMENT16
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In the interest of recognizing emerging communication platforms and harnessing18
the full potential of social media tools in pursuit of the agency’s mandate to19
engage the citizenry in order to enrich the quality of discourse on matters of20
national governance, the following shall be the social media policy of the21
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO):22
23
It is a policy of government to engage its citizens in order to improve24
service delivery. Government recognizes that knowledge and25
information circulate within and among the different sectors of26
society, and public officers stand to gain from having access to all27
such sources. Government should, therefore, use innovative tools,28
methods, and systems to communicate to the public.29
30
Given the exponential growth of social media and the significant31
increase in use of social media tools, it is imperative for government32
to recognize and consider social media, alongside traditional media33
channels, in developing its communications strategy.34
35
Government recognizes social media as the collective voice of the36
citizenry, and can be utilized to directly and quickly communicate with37
the people, both as a conduit for outgoing information and as a tool38
to engage in genuine two-way communication.39
40
41
II. PURPOSE42
43
The purpose of this memorandum are as follows: to recognize social media as a44
form of public communication and one source of information; to provide45
guidelines on the use of social media by PCOO personnel; set rules on content46

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management of PCOO offices; and establish a system for social media47
accreditation.48
49
50
III. LEGAL BASIS51
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This policy is anchored on Section 4, Article III of the 1987 Philippine53
Constitution, which guarantees the freedoms of speech, expression, and the54
press; and Section 24, Article II, which states that: “The State recognizes the vital55
role of communication and information in nation-building.”56
57
Further, this policy is pursuant to the functions of the PCOO and PCDSPO, as58
expressed in the following provisions of Executive Order No. 4 (s. 2010):59
60
“Section 2. Functions of the Presidential Communications61
Operations Office. The Presidential Communications Operations62
Office shall perform the following functions:63
64
a. Develop and implement necessary guidelines and65
mechanisms pertaining to the delivery and dissemination of66
information relating to the policies, programs, official activities67
and achievements of the President and the Executive Branch;68
69
Section. 6. Functions of the Presidential Communications70
Development and Strategic Planning Office. The Presidential71
Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office shall72
perform the following functions:73
74
d. Assist in the formulation and implementation of new media75
strategies for the Office of the President;76
77
e. Assist in research and development of new media78
instruments;”79
80
81
IV. DEFINITION OF TERMS82
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Blog refers to a content-managed website, which may be run by an individual or84
a group, that presents its entries in a certain order and which may or may not85
allow visitors to comment (i.e. Blogger and WordPress).86
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Blogger refers to a person who regularly provides content for a blog.88
89
Media-Sharing Networks refer to websites that allow users to share various90
forms of content, such as video and images, which may or may not allow91

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comments on their own media and media uploaded by other users (i.e. YouTube92
and Instagram).93
94
Social Media Networks refer to websites used to connect and interact with other95
individuals and/or groups (i.e. Facebook and Twitter).96
97
Social Media Publisher refers to an identified person or group of persons that98
maintains a publicly-accessible social media page, blog or website, which99
generates content and whose principal advocacy is the daily dissemination of100
original news and/or opinion of interest, with at least one thousand (1,000)101
followers or subscribers, and which has published regularly and consistently for a102
period of twelve (12) months.103
104
Social Media User refers to a person or group of persons that maintains a social105
media account, which generates content expressing his/her or their opinions,106
viewpoints, commentaries, the sharing of news and information, and other similar107
or related communications activities.108
109
Social Media Tools refer to any electronic medium that allow users to create,110
share and view user-generated content, including, but not limited to, uploading or111
downloading videos, still photographs, blogs, video blogs, podcasts, instant112
messages, electronic mail or internet website or locations. The platforms include,113
but are not limited to, social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter;114
media-sharing networks such as Instagram and YouTube; and blogs such as115
Blogger and Wordpress.116
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V. SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICE (SMO)119
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A. Social Media Manager121
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Social Media Office (SMO) shall be established under the Office of the PCOO123
Secretary. The SMO shall be headed by a Social Media Manager (SMM), who124
shall report directly to the Secretary. The SMM is responsible for developing125
strategies, policies and implementation protocols and procedures for the social126
media program, utilizing technologies such as the internet, social networking,127
blogs, and other appropriate forms of electronic communication. The SMM shall128
also implement social media strategies and technologies; oversee the PCOO’s129
social media platforms; and provide guidance to bureaus and offices in130
implementing information initiatives using social media strategies and new131
technologies.132
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134
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B. Social Media Coordinator138
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There shall be a Social Media Coordinator (SMC), who shall be in charge of140
social media bloggers/influencers accreditation and the dissemination of PCOO141
news and information releases to social media publishers/users.142
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C. Website Manager144
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There shall be a PCOO Website Manager, who shall oversee the PCOO’s146
website and related applications, and serve as senior editor for web content and147
developing content for the PCOO website.148
149
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VI. OFFICIAL PCOO WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS151
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A. PCOO153
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Website: www.pcoo.gov.ph155
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PresidentialCom156
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PresidentialCom157
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B. PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY / NEWS INFORMATION BUREAU159
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Website: www.pna.gov.ph161
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PNAGovPh162
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C. PRESIDENTIAL BROADCAST STAFF / RADIO TV MALACANANG164
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Website: www.rtvm.gov.ph166
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTVMalacanang167
YouTube: www.youtube.com/RTVMalacanang168
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D. PHILIPPINE BROADCASTING SERVICE / BUREAU OF BROADCAST SERVICES170
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Website: www.pbs.gov.ph172
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RadyoNgBayan173
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E. PEOPLE’S TELEVISION NETWORK175
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/PTVPh177
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PTVPh178
YouTube: www.youtube.com/PTVPhilippines179
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F. PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY181
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Website: www.pia.gov.ph183

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Facebook: www.facebook.com/pia.gov.ph184
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PIADesk185
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G. MULA SA MASA PARA SA MASA187
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/mulasamasaparasamasa189
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MMPM_News190
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VII. USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA193
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A. Official use of Social Media by PCOO195
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PCOO encourages its offices, attached agencies, and GOCCs, to use social197
media tools to communicate their messages to the public, and respond to queries198
and other needs at the soonest possible time, subject to the existing Style Guide199
for the Government and these guidelines.200
201
PCOO offices, attached agencies, and GOCCs, shall maintain a catalog or202
chronological log of all official social media presence, which shall be periodically203
reported to the PCOO Social Media Manager.204
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PCOO shall likewise keep a log of all official presence on third-party social media206
websites to apprise the general public of such official presence, and that PCOO207
presence in third-party websites not in this log are not considered official and208
were not previously approved.209
210
Guidelines211
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The following guidelines shall be employed when using public-facing social213
media tools in an official capacity:214
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1. Do not discuss any agency-related information that is not considered216
public information. The discussion of sensitive or classified information is217
strictly prohibited. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.218
Information is considered public upon the determination of the PCOO219
Secretary.220
221
2. Agency-related public information shall primarily be posted in the official222
websites and official social media accounts. Presence of this kind of223
information in third-party websites shall be secondary.224
225
3. When you represent PCOO in an official capacity, PCOO is responsible226
for the content you publish on blogs, media-sharing networks, social227
media networks, or other forms of social media. Keep in mind that any228
content you post may last online in perpetuity.229

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230
4. Never use vulgar or abusive language, personal attacks of any kind, or231
offensive terms targeting individuals or groups.232
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5. Do not endorse private and commercial products, services, or entities.234
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6. Do not endorse political parties, candidates, or groups.236
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B. Non-Official/Personal Use of Social Media238
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PCOO officers, employees, and other personnel, who use social media tools for240
personal use outside of the workplace do not require approval to do so. However,241
they are enjoined to do so with utmost circumspection, keeping in mind their242
respective duties and responsibilities as public servants accountable to the243
people. Therefore, they are reminded that, as representatives of PCOO, these244
rules and guidelines must be given paramount consideration when participating245
in these services at any time, but particularly when identifying themselves as246
being connected with PCOO or when such connection may be implied.247
248
Exercising discretion and common sense when employing social media for249
professional or personal purposes, will ensure that their great potential is fully250
realized without inadvertently compromising our professional, legal, or ethical251
standards. Employees should remember that standards found in the Code of252
Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees are applicable.253
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Guidelines255
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The following principles shall govern the use of social media services in a non-257
official/personal capacity within PCOO.258
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1. Be aware of your PCOO affiliation when interacting in online social260
networks. If you identify yourself as a PCOO officer, employee or261
personnel, or your PCOO affiliation is known to the general public, ensure262
that your profile and content is consistent with how you wish to present263
yourself as a PCOO officer, employee or personnel, appropriate with the264
public nature of your position, and in conformity with existing government265
standards, including the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public266
Officials and Employees.267
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2. PCOO officers, employees and personnel, must keep in mind the269
limitations on privacy that come with being a public servant. Never post270
compromising content. Make sure to add a disclaimer to your social media271
network profile, personal blog, or other online presence that clearly states272
that the opinions or views expressed are yours alone and do not represent273
the views of PCOO.274
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3. In a publicly accessible online forum, do not discuss any agency-related276
information that is not already considered public information. The277
discussion of sensitive or classified information is strictly prohibited. This278
rule applies even in circumstances where password or other privacy279
controls are implemented. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary280
action. Information is considered public upon the determination of the281
PCOO Secretary.282
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C. Conduct of Citizens using PCOO Social Media Platforms284
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Social Media tools, unlike traditional media, such as newspaper, TV or radio,286
allow for instantaneous two-way public communication between the government287
and citizens. Citizens are able to participate by directly posting audio, video, and288
text content to many social media sites. Citizens, including social media289
publishers/users, using PCOO social media platforms, therefore, should be290
guided by common decency and proper online etiquette.291
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Guidelines293
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1. Be respectful of other users in the site.295
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2. Stay on topic. Do not upload content that is unrelated to the purpose or297
topic of the thread.298
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3. Do not use language that is offensive, inflammatory, or provocative.300
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4. Do not post sexual content or links to sexual content.302
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5. Do not break the law or encourage others to do so.304
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6. In the course of using public spaces of the site or thread, do not post306
personal information.307
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7. Do not impersonate or falsely claim to represent a person or an309
organization.310
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8. Provide truthful and accurate content at all times.312
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9. Do not make any commercial endorsement or promotion of any product,314
service or publication.315
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These guidelines shall be displayed to users or made available by hyperlink.317
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VIII. CONTENT MANAGEMENT322
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PCOO offices, attached agencies, and GOCCs, are responsible for establishing,324
publishing, and updating their pages on social media sites. However, the Social325
Media Office shall monitor the content on each of the PCOO office page to326
ensure:327
328
a. A consistent nationwide message is being conveyed;329
b. Adherence to this Social Media Policy.330
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In addition, the Social Media Manager shall have the right to direct PCOO offices,332
attached agencies, and GOCCs, to modify social media content based on best333
practices and industry norms.334
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IX. SOCIAL MEDIA ACCREDITATION337
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The emergence of social media has created new channels of communication339
between government and citizens that, more than just consuming media content,340
a number of citizens using social media tools have become publishers341
themselves—with some bloggers even having audiences reaching the millions.342
PCOO believes, alongside the global campaign organization Article 19 and other343
human rights groups, and consistent with Administrative Order No. 1 (s. 2016)344
creating the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, that social media345
publishers are media workers who should be recognized and protected.346
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Pursuant to this, and to develop good working relations to facilitate the flow of348
timely, accurate, and consistent information, PCOO shall establish a system of349
accreditation for social media publishers/users, including bloggers.350
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A. PROCEDURE OF ACCREDITATION352
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• Accreditation is free and voluntary.354
• Social media publishers and social media users may file their applications355
for accreditation personally or online with the Social Media Office at 3F,356
New Executive Building, JP Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila or357
__________@pco.gov.ph.358
• The application forms for accreditation may be downloaded through the359
PCOO website at www.pco.gov.ph.360
• Whether applying personally or online, the applicant must submit his/her361
application form together with a 2x2 photo and a portfolio of work done362
(see Requirements).363
• Once the requirements are complete and in accordance with these364
guidelines, the Social Media Office will review and consider the application365
within ten (10) working days.366

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• Once approved, the Social Media Office will issue the SMO accreditation,367
which shall be valid for six (6) months.368
• Accreditation is non-transferable and cannot be sold. Individuals and369
groups with accreditation must ensure that their accredited accounts are370
not used by others.371
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B. BENEFITS OF ACCREDITATION373
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Social Media Publishers375
• Faster processing for on-site or access passes to PCOO events and376
activities, such as news briefings and interviews.377
• Inclusion in PCOO-SMO mailing list for updates on PCOO events and378
activities.379
380
Social Media Users381
• Inclusion in the PCOO participatory governance social media programs382
(i.e. “Laging Handa”), and all related trainings and other learning383
activities.384
• Inclusion in the PCOO social media volunteer programs (i.e. “Laging385
Handa”) that will work with the PCOO’s attached agencies and GOCCs.386
387
C. RESPONSIBILITIES388
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• Strictly abide by Section VII-C, on the conduct of citizens using PCOO390
social media platforms.391
• Post, share, and disseminate on his/her or their social media page, blog or392
website, the press releases and other news information issued by the393
PCOO.394
• Validate the truthfulness of the news content that they generate, publish395
and share.396
397
D. REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCREDITATION398
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Social Media Publishers400
• If individual: Filipino citizen and eighteen (18) years old and above.401
• Additional requirement if group, partnership or corporation: SEC or DTI402
registration.403
• Applicant must maintain a publicly-accessible social media page, blog or404
website, which generates content and whose principal advocacy is the405
daily dissemination of original news and/or opinion of interest, with at least406
one thousand (1,000) followers or subscribers, and which has published407
regularly and consistently for twelve (12) months.408
• Applicant’s publications must be editorially independent of any institution,409
foundation or interest group connected or affiliated in any manner with the410
government.411

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• Applicant must not be involved in prosecuting any claim against the412
government.413
• The SMO reserves the right to revise, modify or amend this list of414
requirements as the need arises. However, such changes shall only have415
prospective application and shall not cover applications for accreditation416
filed before such revision, modification, or amendment takes effect.417
418
Social Media Users419
• Filipino citizen and eighteen (18) years old and above.420
• Applicant must maintain a social media account, which generates content421
expressing his/her or their opinions, viewpoints, commentaries, the422
sharing of news and information, and other similar or related423
communications activities.424
• The SMO reserves the right to revise, modify or amend this list of425
requirements as the need arises. However, such changes shall only have426
prospective application and shall not cover applications for accreditation427
filed before such revision, modification, or amendment takes effect.428
429
For your guidance.430
431
432
433
JOSE RUPERTO MARTIN M. ANDANAR434
Secretary435
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References/Bibliography:438
439
Government Information Services. (2011). Social Media in Government.440
Department of Internal Affairs; New Zealand. Accessed at441
https://webtoolkit.govt.nz/files/Social-Media-in-Government-High-level-442
Guidance-final.pdf443
444
Hrdinova, J., Helbig, N., & Peters, C.S. (2010). Designing Social Media Policy445
For Government: Eight Essential Elements. Center for Technology in446
Government; The Research Foundation of State University of New York.447
Accessed at448
https://www.ctg.albany.edu/publications/guides/social_media_policy449
450
Office of Communications. (2010). Social Media Policy. U.S. Department of451
Interior. Accessed at https://www.doi.gov/notices/Social-Media-Policy452
453
OHCHR. (2015). Response to the Special Rapporteur Consultation on Protection454
of Journalists’ Sources and Whistleblowers. Article 19; London, UK.455
Accessed at456
http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Opinion/Protection/Article19.pdf457