File electoral protest before proper forum: Comelec

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the only way to resolve poll-related complaints and other protests is by filing before a proper forum.

Acting spokesperson, John Rex Laudiangco, said in a press conference Friday that if there are grounds for electoral protests, the cases can be filed after the Comelec finishes its job of canvassing and proclaiming the winners.

“Magalang at mapagkumbabang paghiling ng Comelec sa ating mga kababayan, meron pong prosesong itinakda ang batas para po sa ganitong mga usapin (The Comelec is respectfully and humbly asking the people, the law sets processes for these kinds of discussion),” he said.

“Marami pong paraan na i-ventilate lahat ng (There ways to ventilate all) issues from the counting to the canvassing and even anomalies constituting election offense. Doon po tayo pumunta (we should go there),” he added.

Laudiangco also urged the public to get election-related information only from reliable sources and watchdogs such as the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Legal Network For Truthful Elections-Philippines, media outlets, and even the OCTA Research group.

“We have trusted the OCTA Research Group on their statements during the pandemic, I think they’ve earned the right to be trusted on their statements in relation to elections,” Laudiangco said, partly in Filipino.

The public must also rely on data themselves instead of relying on hearsay.

“Please get your information from credible sources,” he said.

On Tuesday or the day after the May 9 national and local elections, several groups gathered outside the Comelec office in Intramuros, Manila, and Liwasang Bonifacio outside the Manila Central Post Office to protest alleged cheating.