Comelec dismisses Facebook post on alleged BARMM vote mismatch

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday dismissed a Facebook post alleging a vote mismatch in an automated counting machine (ACM) during the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.

Comelec flagged as “fake news” a shared Facebook post by a certain “Boss Mil” from the original post of a certain “Zeddie DM” showing a supposed voter receipt from the ACM.

“Lanao del Sur situation right now. BGC (BARMM Grand Coalition) ang lumalabas kahit UBJP (United Bangsamoro Justice Party) ang binoto. Parang may magkaka Hilux na naman neto sa mga Comelec staffs,” the post read.

(Lanao del Sur situation right now. The receipt showed BGC even if UBJP was voted for. It seems like Comelec officials will be given Hilux.)

The Comelec described the post as a “malicious imputation” meant to mislead and deceive voters.

“Comelec always says in every voter education campaign that the Automated Counting Machine cannot manipulate the ballots,” the poll body said.

“The ACM can only read and record in the voter receipt what was shaded in the ballot,” it added.

The poll body warned against false information, noting that it constitutes an election offense. /mcm