MANILA, Philippines, October 21, 2015 – Leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT, together with its mobile unit Smart Communications, has signed a partnership with leading TV network GMA 7 to become the telecommunications and connectivity provider for the station’s extensive coverage of the presidential elections next year.

PLDT will provide the TV station’s fixed and mobile connectivity requirements for its most high-tech broadcast of “Eleksyon 2016.”

“PLDT and Smart are one with GMA7 and its other partner organizations including leading broadsheet Philippine Daily Inquirer in making a significant contribution in the country’s efforts for clean and honest elections next year,” said PLDT and Smart President and CEO Napoleon Nazareno. “PLDT’s extensive fixed and mobile networks will help GMA 7 gather and report the most accurate and latest news on the coming polls on a timely basis.”

Marked by a ceremonial signing of partners staged at GMA 7’s network center, PLDT joins the other partners in business, government, socio-civic organizations, digital media, and academic institutions, which will help secure a credible and simultaneous coverage of the regional polls.

“This election is happening at a crucial period when the flow of information is more dynamic, freer, and faster than ever before. We will witness an elections coverage that is online, on social media, mobile, quick, up-close, and personal, in addition to traditional media,” said GMA 7 Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon during the launch of Eleksyon 2016.

“Our partnership has been tested and proven to be rock-solid over the years. We are very confident that while we may have a formidable task ahead of us, together we will succeed as before to deliver our commitment to each and every Filipino who continues to believe in the power of democracy,” he added.