Comelec urges public vigilance on election-related disinformation
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Caraga is taking strong and transparent steps to assure voters in the entire region of a clean, honest, and credible electoral process in the upcoming May 12 National and Local Elections.
Amid circulating allegations questioning the integrity of the automated election system, Comelec took swift action to verify and publicly validate the system’s accuracy. Through the public conduct of manual verification and counting of test ballots, and comparison with the corresponding vote receipts and election return (ER) from Clustered Precinct 0240 in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Butuan City, the results showed that the actual votes shaded on the ballots matched perfectly with those reflected in the vote receipts and ER. This confirmed the reliability of the automated counting machines (ACMs) and the trustworthiness of the entire process.
Regional Election Director Edwin Cadungog of Comelec Caraga emphasized that such public demonstrations are essential in fighting disinformation.
“Comelec stands firm in its commitment to deliver a trustworthy election. We urge the public to remain vigilant, verify sources, and avoid spreading misinformation and disinformation, especially on social media. The best defense against lies is the truth – and we are showing it,” he said.
The Comelec also acted decisively on a formal complaint regarding the same clustered precinct by conducting an open recount, which validated that the alleged discrepancies were unfounded and that the system had functioned correctly.
The poll body called on the public to help uphold the credibility of the elections. “Let’s protect the truth and the sanctity of the vote. Stay informed, report fake news, and trust the process,” added Dir. Cadungog. “We are prepared, the system is secure, and with everyone’s vigilance, we will have credible elections on May 12.”
Also, Butuan City Election Officer Tristan Niog said, “Our actions are guided by transparency and accountability. This verification proves that the system works exactly as it should. The voters can be confident that every vote cast will be counted accurately.”
In Agusan del Norte, Provincial Election Supervisor April Joy Balano confirmed that all 673 ACMs, including 273 units for Butuan City’s 395 polling centers passed the final testing and sealing with 100 percent success. “We saw no discrepancies in the machines or the data. What the voters mark is what the system reads and reports. The election system is reliable,” she stressed.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) activated its Media Action Center (MAC) to assist Comelec in disseminating verified, timely, and accurate information. PBGen. Christopher N. Abrahano, PRO13 regional director, assured that the PNP will fully support the poll body’s efforts in maintaining peace, order, and the integrity of the electoral process. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)
