Comelec: File complaints if you saw discrepancies

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday encouraged voters who observed discrepancies during the recent midterm elections, such as mismatches between ballots and automated counting machine receipts, pre-shaded ballots or other irregularities, to pursue proper legal channels by filing formal complaints.

- By MAYEN JAYMALIN

"Not belittling your complaints, but Comelec just wants to put it in the legal process," Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said in Filipino.

Such allegations should be supported by a notarized affidavit, which would serve as the foundation for filing an electoral protest, he added.

Laudiangco reminded the public that suspected irregularities should have been reported immediately to poll watchers, electoral board teachers or the candidates' representatives for appropriate action.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia, meanwhile, reaffirmed the credibility of the electoral process. He stated that the transmission and canvassing of votes proceeded without delay or discrepancy.

But to further ensure transparency, he highlighted the Random Manual Audit as an ongoing verification measure to detect any inconsistencies between the vote count and the actual ballots.

Cybersecurity

The Comelec revealed yesterday that its digital infrastructure faced millions of hacking attempts even after election day.

Laudiangco said the agency's website and Precinct Finder portal were targeted by deliberate denial-of-service attacks intended to overwhelm the system and hinder access for legitimate users.

The attacks, which persisted into the early hours of Wednesday morning, were aimed at disrupting the Comelec's web services, including the election results platform.