THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a statement denying online claims that it is currently hiring poll watchers for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections. The Comelec emphasized that these posts are false and misleading.
In a Facebook post, the Comelec clarified that it does not hire poll watchers. Instead, poll watchers are designated by individual candidates, political parties, or accredited citizens’ groups. These individuals are not government employees and are not compensated by the government unless specifically provided for by law or regulation.
The Comelec strongly urged the public to refrain from sharing personal information in response to unverified online posts. The commission reminded citizens that spreading false information related to elections constitutes an offense under the Omnibus Election Code.
The 2025 midterm elections are scheduled for May 12. While absentee voting has concluded, overseas voting remains open until May 10.
The Comelec reiterated its role as the sole authority responsible for overseeing the elections and proclaiming the official winners. This clarification aims to combat the spread of misinformation and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
