Comelec dismisses ‘false reports’ on 2022 elections

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) dismissed a “false report” which claimed that Commissioner Rowena Guanzon is pushing for the scrapping of the May 2022 polls that went viral on social media.

“Commissioner Guanzon is NOT, repeat NOT, recommending that the 2022 National and Local Elections be scrapped,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.

“This Adobo Chronicles report stating otherwise is obviously #fakenews. #fightfake,” he added.

Commissioner Guanzon is NOT, repeat NOT, recommending that the 2022 National and Local Elections be scrapped. This Adobo Chronicles report stating otherwise is obviously #fakenews. #fightfake. pic.twitter.com/a6z3ga0zpp

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) October 18, 2021

The report came from The Adobo Chronicles, a satirical website founded in 2013, which describes itself as “the best source for unbelievable news.”

Meanwhile, in a following tweet, Jimenez admitted that he is “leery” in accepting satirical news.

“In an environment where a significant segment of the public are unable to separate fact from fiction, I am leery of accepting the ‘satire card’,” said Jimenez.

In an environment where a significant segment of the public are unable to separate fact from fiction, I am leery of accepting the ‘satire card.’ https://t.co/QTFVZbYaPH

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) October 18, 2021

The Comelec spokesperson also earlier denounced another post that spread on social media claiming that the Comelec has disqualified Vice President Leni Robredo from the presidential race.

“VP Leni Robredo has not been disqualified. Video and articles that imply or suggest otherwise are #fakenews.  COMELEC’s reminders on prohibited sources of funding apply to all would-be candidates. #fightfake,” Jimenez tweeted on Sunday.

VP Leni Robredo has not been disqualified. Video and articles that imply or suggest otherwise are #fakenews. COMELEC's reminders on prohibited sources of funding apply to all would-be candidates. #fightfake

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) October 17, 2021

These claims surfaced over the weekend after Robredo’s supporters launched an online fundraising page for her presidential campaign.

However, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon already clarified that only foreign Foreigners cannot contribute to any Filipino candidate.

Apart from this, the Comelec has not yet released the official list of candidates in the upcoming elections, which means none can be disqualified yet, according to Jimenez.

Same deal. Pare-pareho silang lahat na walang violation dahil hindi pa naman sila official candidates.

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) October 17, 2021

The final set of candidates is set to be released by December, according to Comelec.

RELATED STORIES

Comelec approves extension of voter registration to end-October

Internet is new battleground to check false narratives on Marcos regime – commission