In the wake of persistent reports about certain groups claiming that they can influence the outcome of the upcoming automated elections, the Commission on Elections has issued a strong warning against this activity.
“The Comelec forcefully reiterates that any person claiming to be able to influence the outcome of the elections, in exchange for whatever amount of money or other consideration, is a scammer and a criminal,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.
Last week, a woman was reportedly arrested for charging local candidates an exorbitant fee, in exchange for assurances of manipulating the Automated Election System in their favor. “The AES has been used since 2010, and the results have stood the test of time and scrutiny. No evidence has ever been presented that the results were wrong or tampered, simply because it cannot be done,” Jimenez said.
In the meantime, the election body has issued a statement stating that “all Comelec officials and employees join the entire Commission en Banc in condemning these claims, in the strongest possible terms, and vow to spare no effort in bringing all who make such spurious promises, to justice.”
“The public is invited to report these scammers directly to us, through hotline numbers 5259294 and 5259296, or through social media @COMELEC on Twitter, and @Comelec.Ph on Facebook,” said Jimenez.
