The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued clear declarations regarding a series of controversies surrounding the 12th May (2024) midterm elections, which were initially outlined in a flawed false news article that emerged on social media. The agency has released an advisory expressing confidence that the claims in that article are not sourced from any official or verified entities.
The Move to Migrate 12 May Elections Due to Intense Heat:
While admitting that the original false news claim was not from Comelec or verified online sources, the advisory clarifies that the soon-to-be-held elections should proceed as scheduled. The poll body has confirmed that the national and local elections will take place on the 12th May, with scheduled voting hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant voters will begin receiving early votes from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Resuming Counting:
In addition to resuming elections, Comelec has emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures to prevent the spread of misinformation during the process. The agency has also reminded public officials of the solemn rules outlined in the Omnibus Election Code (OECD), particularly section 261(z)(11), which lists the breaches of this statute that constitute an election offense. This reminder underscores the consequences of misreporting election arrangements.
Legal Requirements for the National ID:
The legislative body reported that a similar false claim about the National ID being required in the recount process had also emerged online, a提案 that for some time had been refused byHostName. Comelec addressed this claim promptly, explaining that the introduction of a National ID did not originate from the organization. The agency explicitly stated that the false information did not come from official sources and elaborated on the legal repercussions of such actions under theOECD.
Final Declaration:
The confusion surrounding the 12 May elections was a result of the improper spreading of misinformation, leading to canceled votes and undermine trust within the electoral system. As a result, Comelec has issued a strong refusal to provide evidence of any false claims originating from either independent or verified entities. The agency has also reaffirmed that the elections will proceed as originally outlined, holding public officials accountable for their actions and ensuring transparency. These actions highlight the importance of maintaining factual integrity and legal frameworks in election processes.