Davao-based Comelec denies allegations of electoral fraudulent activities
Rewritten Article:
Contrary to the widespread chatter, the Commission on Elections in Davao Region (Comelec-Davao) unequivocally debunked suspicions that the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections could be rigged or manipulated.
Atty. Gay Enumerables, Acting Regional Director of Comelec-Davao, addressed the controversy during a Kolokabildo #Kolokabayan2025 forum at the Holy Cross of Davao College on April 30. Addressing growing public concerns about election integrity, especially amid the surge of disinformation on social media, she stated,
"We've been facing a lot of flak because of this... People always say Comelec is gonna cheat, but no," Enumerables said, articulating that the commission has set up a robust system to guarantee fairness.
She further explained that the fully automated election system is secure and resistant to hacking, contrary to certain rumors.
"Some say it's in the machine and it could be hacked, but our system is extremely secure," Enumerables underscored. "Any cheating happens outside of the system, outside of the machine."
Enumerables identified combating disinformation and misinformation as a vital challenge heading into the elections. She also highlighted other significant election issues like vote-buying and the abuse of state resources (ASR).
Under Comelec Resolution No. 11104, ASR is defined as the misuse of government-owned resources, including funds, facilities, vehicles, and personnel, for partisan advantage—such as campaign-related activities improperly utilizing public funds or resources.
"Using state resources for campaigning makes our job tough," Enumerables admitted.
Doubts about the election's credibility intensified following an incident involving the questionable storage and transport of election materials in Davao City on April 4. Two wing vans carrying election-related equipment were seen unloading materials at a private residence in Dumanlas, Buhangin.
However, Comelec clarified that the equipment included 37 Starlink Satellite Kits and solar panels, intended for internet connectivity during the transmission of election results, not for ballot reading or vote counting. The deployment was coordinated with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) for storage and logistical support.
Meanwhile, former President Rodrigo Duterte's political party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), reiterated its call for manual vote counting at the precinct level to guarantee electoral transparency. The party cited Republic Act No. 9369 and Comelec Resolution No. 11098, urging the commission to implement specific provisions.
In spite of ongoing concerns, Comelec remains committed to transparency and maintaining public trust, continuously monitoring the situation to ensure a fair and unbiased electoral process.
- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Davao Region, despite facing skepticism, has firmly denied allegations of potential manipulation in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections.
- Atty. Gay Enumerables, the Acting Regional Director of Comelec-Davao, addressed such concerns during a Kolokabildo #Kolokabayan2025 forum, stating emphatically that the commission has instituted a robust system to maintain fairness.
- Enumerables emphasized that the fully automated election system in Davao is secure and resistant to hacking, countering rumors of potential manipulation within the system.
- In her statement, Enumerables identified combating disinformation and the abuse of state resources (ASR) as major challenges in the lead-up to the elections, which is defined under Comelec Resolution No. 11104.
- Despite ongoing doubts about the elections' credibility, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) remains dedicated to transparency, safeguarding the transmission of election results, and maintaining public trust in the political process.
