THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday called on politicians and political parties to report individuals and groups offering to tamper the results of the May 2025 national and local elections in their favor.
In an interview, Elections chairman George Garcia said: “Currently, we have been getting reports that there are those going around the country and making offers to candidates.”
“We appeal to the public to expose them, have them arrested. These are scammers that are just after your money,” he also said.
He said reports reaching the poll office indicate that individuals or groups have been asking for P50 million to P100 million in payments to ensure the victory of their “clients” in next year’s polls.
Garcia said the “scammers” claim that they have “contacts” within the Comelec and automated election systems provider Miru Systems that can help manipulate the election results in their favor.
Garcia said the scammers have reportedly been approaching politicians planning to run for national and local posts who are based in the Visayas and Mindanao.
The Comelec head said such individuals, if caught and proven guilty, can be held liable for estafa and even election offense charges.
“We will help in prosecuting these people so that they won’t be able to evade justice,” said Garcia.
He said they have also sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
“We have already issued a public warning but that didn’t stop these people. We wrote the NBI and asked for their help in thwarting these people,” he said.
