Comelec: 2025 poll scammers face arrest

MANILA, Philippines — Anyone offering to manipulate the May 2025 midterm elections must be prosecuted and arrested, according to the Commission on Elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they have been receiving reports of persons and groups claiming they could tamper with election results as they have contacts in the poll body and service providers.

“They could allegedly make someone win (the election) after paying around P50 million to P100 million. We’re receiving numerous reports of offers being made to candidates,” Garcia said in a recent interview.

Suspects could be charged with estafa or fraud and election offenses, he noted.

Unscrupulous persons are operating mostly in Visayas and Mindanao, he said.

The National Bureau of Investigation’s assistance has been sought to control such illegal activities, Garcia said.

Results of the automated elections cannot be tampered with, he maintained, as cases of electoral fraud since the 2010 general election have not been proven.

Meanwhile, Garcia urged critics to observe the sub judice rule and avoid discussing the pending case against Comelec and the joint venture led by South Korean firm Miru Systems.

“The (Supreme Court) already required the comments so it is just right not to discuss the case publicly so as not to influence the decision of the SC,” he said.