Solons post updates during debate on Facebook

By Carlo Ople*

(Editor’s note: re-posted from author’s blog http://newmedia.com.ph)

AS most of you probably know by now, the House of Representatives approved HR 1109, more commonly known as the Con Ass (Constituent Assembly) resolution. I’m pretty sure that the Senate will take this up with the Supreme Court to determine if what the House did was in accordance to our constitution. Anyway, I wanted to focus more on what was happening on Facebook while the hearing was going on. Several opposition congressmen were actually micro-blogging on Facebook! Imagine that, hahaha! I took some screen shots for your viewing pleasure. Check out what some of our congressmen said in Facebook after the break.

CONGRESSMAN TEDDY CASINO

One of my personal favorite comments during the evening. A lot of people left comments on this and it was nice to see that Congressman Casino was replying to some of them. Talk about real time interaction. Note my comment in the print screen. Heh.

CONGRESSMAN RUFFY BIAZON

Congressman Biazon was very active on Facebook during the proceedings. He was actually like a reporter the entire time. It’s kinda sad that he wasn’t given the opportunity to speak during the plenary but at least he was able to voice out what was in his mind through Facebook.

CONGRESSMAN ERIN TANADA

I was able to hear Congressman Tanada deliver his objection speech. It was very articulate and hard-hitting. He wasn’t able to update during the actual proceedings but he was able to make posts before and after.

While it’s not Plurk or Twitter, these Congressmen actually micro-blogged through the status update feature of Facebook. I’m sure that it’s only a matter of time before their staff teaches them how to actually microblog through their mobile. Maybe we’ll see more consistent updates then.

Social Media is a very powerful communications tool, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see more politicians start using this channel not just for the 2010 campaign, but also for governance. I talked about this in length during my interview with Cheche Lazaro (Media In Focus).

So, interested to hear what your congressmen have to say online? Add them up on Facebook.

Carlo Ople is the main author of New Media Philippines, a blog that aims to help Filipinos maximize and realize the potential of New Media. Apart from being a blogger, Carlo also serves as a Marketing Manager for one of the leading online gaming companies in the Philippines. He is also a freelance digital marketing consultant and has worked with various politicians and business owners expand their reach and influence through the use of social media.

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