Comelec flags fake news: We’re not hiring nationwide poll watchers

The Commission on Elections refutes the claim that the poll body is hiring poll watchers with a salary of P4,000 for the May 12 elections. (Photo from Comelec)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is not hiring poll watchers nationwide with a salary worth P4,000 for the May 12 elections, the poll body said on Thursday.

The Comelec refuted this claim circulating on social media, emphasizing that the announcement did not come from its official channels.

“Ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) lang ang may awtoridad, ayon sa Konstitusyon, na magpatupad ng mga batas sa halalan at magtalaga ng mga opisyal para dito,” the Comelec said in an advisory.

(The Comelec only has the authority, based on the Constitution, to implement election laws and appoint officials for this.)

READ: Comelec: EU watchers not allowed in polling precincts

According to Article III of Comelec Resolution No. 11076, the poll watchers are chosen by the election candidates, political parties, or accredited citizens’ arms.

“Hindi sila ini-hire ng gobyerno bilang regular na empleyado at walang bayad mula sa pamahalaan, maliban kung ito’y malinaw na itinalaga sa batas o alituntunin,” the Comelec added.

(They are not hired by the government as regular employees and there is no payment from the government, unless it is clearly stated in the law or guidelines.)

READ: Comelec dismisses ‘No National ID, No Vote for May 2025’ claim as untrue

The poll body warned that spreading false information on the elections is considered an election offense under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code.

It recently refuted a claim that voters who fail to present their National I.D on election day will not be able to cast their votes. The Comelec said that the voters will only be asked to present any valid I.D, in case their identity cannot be verified through the Election Day Computerized Voters’ List. /jpv