Comelec warns anew vs Eleksyon 2025 'win' modus

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has received anew reports of individuals allegedly offering a “win” in the 2025 national and local elections (NLE) in exchange for cash.

In a radio interview on Friday, poll chairperson George Erwin Garcia said at least two national bets, four party-list groups, and local aspirants have reported the alleged offer to the Comelec, saying the unscrupulous individuals claimed to be one of their staff.

“May mga politiko na sila ay inalok na kuhanan nila ng picture ipapadala pa sa kanila,” Garcia said in a report by Super Radyo dzBB’s Nimfa Ravelo.

(Some politicians reported the offer to us.)

“Sure win daw P100 million, congressman; tapos mga governors, P70 to P80 million. Nagpapa-advanced ng mga P10 hanggang P20 million. Alam na alam natin, style ‘yun eh, ‘yang pagpapa-advance,” he said.

(They were asking P100 million for Congressmen, and P70 to P80 million for the governor post. They were also asking P10 million to P20 million for advanced payment.)

The Comelec has referred the case to the NBI for investigation. An initial probe showed some of those who were offering the modus were previously employed with the poll body but have left the Comelec 12 to 13 years ago.

None of the aspirants availed of the offer, said Garcia.

In May, the Comelec first warned against the said modus, calling it a scam.

“Sa kasalukuyan marami po tayong nababalitaan at tumatawag sa atin na nagsisi-ikot pa rin sa buong bansa na nag o-offer at nanloloko sa ating mga kababayan, sa mga kandidato, o prospective na kandidato,” Garcia earlier said.

(We have received reports that there are individuals who are going around the country and fooling the public, candidates, or prospective candidates.)

“Sana po ipa-aresto niyo ang lahat ng yan. Sana po ‘wag natin papayag na lokohin tayo ng mga yan o linlangin. Hindi po totoo yan,” he added.

(I hope the public will help us report and arrest them. I hope you will not allow yourselves to be fooled. That is not true.)

Meanwhile, the Comelec and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to address  cybersecurity issues, cybercrimes, as well as possible vote-buying activities through digital platforms during next year’s polls.

“Ang magiging role ng NBI is to act quickly and support Comelec on their aim na magkaroon ng peaceful, honest elections,” said NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

(The NBI’s role is to support Comelec on their aim to conduct a peaceful, and honest elections.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News