PPCRV to Comelec: Elaborate on ‘mislabeled’ election data

Data from the Commission on Elections shows a discrepancy in the number of registered voters, the number of people who actually voted, and the number of valid ballots cast at a voting center in Dumaguete City. This was flagged by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting on May 13, 2025, and corrected by the poll body two days later. It was dismissed by the Comelec as a case of mislabeling. — Photo by Luisa Cabato

MANILA, Philippines — Poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) on Thursday asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to provide a “more in-depth explanation” for a mismatch between the number of people who voted and the number of valid ballots recorded in some precincts.

At a press conference, PPCRV spokesperson Ana Singson laid out alleged discrepancies between the figures of registered voters, those who actually voted, and the number of valid ballots cast during last Monday’s midterm polls in Zamboanga City and Dumaguete City.

READ: Comelec denies vote discrepancy in partial, unofficial count

One primary example she cited was a voting center in Calindagan, Dumaguete City.

According to data from the Comelec website on May 13, there were 930 registered voters at the center, and 814 voted on May 12. However, 956 valid ballots were cast.

Singson said Comelec corrected the numbers two days later, explaining the issue as a case of “mislabeling.”

“We have actually been in communication with Comelec, and they said that it was mislabeled. Apparently, the data that was pointed to for that particular cell was not the data supposed to be for that cell,” she said.

“So, we just want to understand a little bit more about that mislabeling, please, and we’re doing this so there can be no cloud of doubt,” Singson added.

READ: In historic speed, Comelec to finish official tally in 3 days

Singson specifically asked where the 956 figure came from and what it was for.

She emphasized, “We are not making any accusations; this is simply a request for a more in-depth explanation.”

INQUIRER.net has contacted the Comelec for a comment but has not received one as of posting time. /das/abc