By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(May 5, 2025) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday assured voters that its electoral infrastructure remains uncompromised despite the surge of fake news and disinformation online aimed at undermining the integrity of the upcoming midterm polls.
Comelec chairperson George Garcia revealed that their system has been targeted by hackers in recent years but none succeeded. He said nearly three million attempts have been tallied for this year’s elections.
“Walang na-compromise na kahit anong sistema namin sa kahit anong election data,” said Garcia, as quoted the Philippine News Agency.
He furthered that they have been monitoring an alleged deliberate effort online to spread narratives of fraud and breaches of system in recent months.
“Asahan niyo na sa mga susunod na araw, mina-mind condition tayo,” added Garcia. “Ginagamit na (laban) sa amin ang troll farms at ‘yung naka-autobot na mga information.”
Earlier today, the Comelec refuted the fake news that the approaching midterm elections were moved earlier from May 12 to May 10 due to “intense heat.” Last week, it also debunked a claim online that voters cannot vote without a national ID.
According to a survey by Social Weather Stations in March, 59% of Filipinos consider fake and disinformation a “serious problem.” However, 65% of Filipinos have difficulty identifying them.
Spreading false information to disrupt or obstruct the electoral process is a punishable offense under Section 261 of the 1985 Omnibus Election Code. Violators could face imprisonment of up to six years, disqualification from public office, and deprivation of the right to vote.
Last July, the Comelec launched a task force to combat the issue, especially amid the rise of digital campaigning.
ALSO READ: Comelec launches task force against fake news, disinformation in 2025 midterm elections
Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Vice Pres. Sara Duterte-Carpio won the 2022 elections in a landslide fashion, which some studies revealed was aided by fake news and disinformation.
Independent fact-checking coalition Tsek.PH found that Marcos benefitted the most from false information online.
(PM)
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