Comelec warns vs fake news as Eleksyon 2025 draws near

Commission on Elections chairperson George Erwin Garcia on Monday debunked false information alleging the May 12 elections was moved to an earlier date, warning the public against more disinformation and misinformation as Eleksyon 2025 draws near.

In an interview, Garcia denounced an alleged social media advisory that the midterm polls was moved to May 10, 2025 due to extreme heat as fake news.

“Yan ay kasungalingan na naman. Walang makakapigil, sa kasalukuyan, sa halalan sa May 12 dahil [ito] ay nakalagay sa Saligang Batas,” Garcia said.

(That is not true. The elections on May 12 will proceed based on the 1987 Constitution.)

“Tuloy na tuloy po ang halalan sa lahat ng presinto sa buong Pilipinas sa May 12,” he added.

(The elections will be conducted in all precincts around the country on May 12.)

Likewise, the poll chief reiterated that the social media advisory alleging that national IDs are required to vote as “false.”

The Comelec over the weekend slammed as “fake news” an advisory circulating online saying "No National ID, No Vote.”

“Lahat makakaboto kahit wala kang ID basta ang pangalan mo ay nasa listahan sa labas ng presinto, sa loob ng presinto, sa ating precinct finder, sa voters’ information sheet o sa voters assistance desk,” he said.

(Everyone can vote as long as their names are on the list of voters.)

“Bagamat ipinapayo natin na kung may madadalang ID, makikidala na rin kasi baka biglang may mag-challenge ng inyong pagkatao na isang watcher…Pero generally speaking, hindi kailangan nang kahit anong government-issued ID, ” he added.

(We advise them to bring IDs but generally speaking, it is not required.)

According to Garcia, the Comelec is still investigating who are the persons behind the false information. He also said they may be targeting to lower the voter turnout for this year’s polls and undermine the integrity and credibility of Eleksyon 2025.

“Ang purpose ay guluhin, lituhin ang mga kababayan natin at para pabababain ang mga botanteng boboto sa eleksyon,” he said.

(Their purpose may be to confuse the voters and affect the voter turnout.)

“Asahan niyo po na sa susunod na araw marami pang ganiyan pero hindi magsasawa ang Comelec. Sa bawat oras na may ilalabas sila, may kasagutan kami,” he added.

(We can expect more similar cases as the elections draw near, but the Comelec will always counter their claims.)

The Philippines will hold its midterm elections on May 12. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.