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That heavy text traffic has made mobile operators Smart Communications Inc, Globe Telecom Inc and Pilipino Telephone Corp some of the strongest companies in an underperforming economy.

Text messaging is such an accepted form of communication that central bank Governor Rafael Buenaventura sends comments on interest rates or the level of the peso to reporters via SMS.

Mobiles in Manila buzz with election-related messages. Along with the jokes, mostly impenetrable to anyone without a deep knowledge of the country's politics and culture, is the occasional potential bombshell.

Angara says the LDP's vice presidential candidate, Senator Loren Legarda, was the victim of false messages saying she submitted bills to cut pay for teachers, soldiers and firefighters.

Other messages have proven stunningly accurate, such as those saying Poe had fathered a child during an affair with an actress. Confronted with the allegation, potentially damaging in this Roman Catholic country, Poe confirmed it was true.

When that appeared to inflict no damage on his reputation, new messages elaborating on the initial story started to spread. So far Poe has not responded to these.

CHEAP AND ANONYMOUS

Why text messaging has caught on so rapidly in the Southeast Asia nation is the subject of some debate.

Some say Filipinos are shy and appreciate the relative anonymity of texting. Others say conventions such as inquiring after the health of one another's families before starting to chat verbally has made SMS an attractive time-saver.

Certainly, money is a factor. Sending a message can cost as little as half a peso (0.9 U.S. cents), an affordable option in a country where the minimum wage in the capital is just $5 a day.

It is also a cheap way to spread propaganda.    Continued ...

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