COMELEC Addresses Vote Manipulation Concerns in 2025 Philippine Midterm Elections

The Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has addressed concerns regarding alleged vote manipulation in the recently concluded 2025 midterm elections. In a press conference, COMELEC Chairman George Garcia stated, "We have thoroughly reviewed the official count, and there are no discrepancies." This statement directly refutes claims of vote tampering that circulated on social media. However, the COMELEC acknowledged challenges in the process. Maricel Halili, a News5 reporter, explained that "11,000 ballots needed replacement due to time-marking issues not detected by the automated counting machines." These issues, primarily in Antique, Eastern Samar, and Cotabato, are being addressed. Despite these challenges, COMELEC spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco emphasized that these issues do not constitute an election failure. He stated, "We have electoral boards and machines in place; this is simply a matter of replacing ballots." The COMELEC's swift response and transparency in addressing these concerns ensure public trust in the electoral process.