The Commission on Elections (Comelec) continued to receive reports of vote buying, violence, and misinformation a few hours before Filipinos cast their votes for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez, in a hastily called press conference Sunday, said they have already confirmed some 20 cases of election-related violence (ERVIs).
“There have been some confirmed ERVIs, a little over 20. But again, interestingly, the overall level of peace and order condition is quite good because the numbers are not increasing. We hope it continues that way,” Jimenez said, adding that there are also some areas that have requested to be placed under Comelec control.
He, however, refused to name the areas pending the poll body’s decision on the requests.
“There are some areas that have requested to be put under Comelec control but their evaluation is still ongoing,” said Jimenez.
When an area is placed under Comelec control, the Commission en banc will have immediate and direct control and supervision of the concerned political division, subdivision, unit, or area.
Jimenez also disclosed that they have been getting reports of several of vote-buying activities, but he stressed that these reports have not been confirmed.
“For purposes of proving vote-buying, pictures could be insufficient in proving it. So we are asking people on the ground to get witnesses so it may be more actionable on our part,” said Jimenez.
Other problems received by the Comelec hotlines include complaints about massive misinformation, he added.
“We’ve been getting queries on whether under-voting will result to invalidation of ballots. Just a reminder to voters, for example for kagawad (councilor), you can vote for one, two, six, or even all seven or no one and it still won’t invalidate your ballot,” stressed Jimenez. /ee