MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday issued a warning against the misuse of the Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS) following reports that a local candidate in the upcoming May 12 elections allegedly used the alert system to promote his campaign.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the ECBS, which is meant for public safety alerts, should not be exploited for political purposes.

“Huwag po sanang abusuhin itong Emergency Cell Broadcast System dahil ito po, ‘pag sinabi pong emergency ay dapat pang-emergency lamang po,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

She was reacting to circulating reports that a local candidate, whose identity has not been disclosed, used the ECBS to transmit emergency alerts bearing his name to residents.

The ECBS is a government tool used to disseminate vital information during natural disasters, security threats, and other life-threatening emergencies. Its operations are closely coordinated with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Castro emphasized that unauthorized use of the system constitutes a “grave violation of public trust.”

“Hindi po ‘to dapat inaabuso ng sinuman para sa pansariling kapakanan,” she added.

According to Castro, both the DICT and the NTC are already investigating the incident. She said the government would pursue legal action against anyone found guilty of misusing the emergency alert platform for non-emergency purposes.

The Palace’s statement comes amid growing concerns over the integrity of public communication systems ahead of the May 12 local elections.