Popular TikTok personality Arshie Larga has taken to social media to remind his fellow content creators about the importance of carefully choosing which political candidates to endorse as the election season approaches.
In a short video shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the 28-year-old pharmacist emphasized the need for creators to be more thoughtful and responsible in their endorsements, given the significant influence they wield on social media.
“So dahil po election season na, for sure makakakuha tayo ng mga inquiries to endorse a certain political candidate,” Larga said,
Arshie went on to set a reminder that it is crucial to consider a few key steps before accepting such offers.
His first piece of advice is to “do research”.
“Dapat po alamin nating yung mga plataporma at ano yung mga plano ng mga kandidatong ito para sa bansa natin. Tandaan po natin na sa henerasyon natin kung saan ang social media ang pangunahing source ng karamihan sa mga Pilipino,” Larga explained.
Larga highlighted the weight of responsibility that comes with being a content creator during the election period.
“Bilang content creators po, malaking yung influence natin sa decision-making ng mga kapwa nating Pilipino ngayong darating na eleksyon. Kaya again let’s be responsible po sa mga taong i-eendorse ho natin,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of endorsing candidates based on shared principles and genuine belief in their platforms, not just for financial gain.
“Sana ineendorse natin itong mga ‘to dahil naniniwala tayo sa mga prinsipyo at plataporma nila at hindi lamang po natin ito ginagawa para sa pera,” said Arshie.
Larga clarified that he himself would not accept payment to endorse a candidate, emphasizing that his support would come from a place of trust in the candidate’s vision and promises to the public.
“Personally po, hindi ako magpapabayad para lamang may iendorse na isang certain political candidate.Kung may makikita man po kayo mga posts ko about a certain political candidate, it’s because naniniwala po ako sa mga values and principles ng mga taong ito at naniniwala po ako sa mga plataporma nila,” he explained.
He also called on netizens to conduct their own research before casting their vote, regardless of who their favorite content creators might endorse.
“Kahit sino pa po yung mga ine-endorse ng mga content creators na pinapanood niyo, importante pa rin po na kayong mga taong boboto ay kinikilatis niyo rin po […] at hindi nyo lamang sila sinusundan, ‘palibhasa sinabi ni ganito, sinabi ni Arshie na iboto mo ‘to’.”
“Importante din po na kayo po ay well-aware sa mga plataporma ng mga taong ito,” he added.
Larga concluded his message with a final plea for responsibility, reminding creators that the future of the country is at stake, saying, “Again let’s all be responsible content creators […]. Tandaan po natin na ang nakasalalay sa eleksyon na ito ay yung future po nating mga Pilipino.”
This isn’t the first time Larga has voiced such concerns. Last year, during his acceptance speech for named the “Creator of the Year” at the TikTok Awards Philippines 2023, he gave a similar reminder about the ethical responsibilities of content creators.
