PDP-Laban flags election integrity concerns ahead of midterm elections

In a statement issued today, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) raised serious concerns about a potential attempt to compromise the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.

The party highlighted that the transmission devices found at a private residence in Barangay Buhangin, Davao City could jeopardize the integrity of the election, as they are essential to the electronic transmission of Election Returns from polling precincts to central servers.

PDP-Laban expressed concern over the lack of security and transparency surrounding the storage of these devices, particularly in an unsecured, non-government facility. According to the party, this situation could lead to a loss of public confidence in the integrity of the midterm elections.

PDP-Laban’s official statement reads, “We express grave concern over recent reports that election paraphernalia, specifically transmission equipment identified as Starlink satellite kits, were discovered in a private residence in Brgy. Buhangin, Davao City. These devices are crucial to the electronic transmission of Election Returns from polling precincts to central servers. Their presence in an unsecured, non-government facility raises important questions that cannot be ignored, particularly about storage protocols, security arrangements, and the chain of custody for sensitive election materials.”

The statement follows the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirming the discovery on 5 April 2025. The poll body clarified that the transmission equipment is part of a temporary staging hub set up by its transmission service provider, iOne Resources Joint Venture with Ardent Networks Inc. (iOne V), in preparation for the midterm elections. According to Comelec, the equipment was being stored at the residence before being deployed to various voting and canvassing centers across the Davao Region.

However, PDP-Laban remains unconvinced by Comelec’s reassurances. The party continued, “Given the significance of these devices in the transmission phase of the election process, their protection must be absolute. Any gap in security, whether perceived or real, can sow seeds of doubt and erode public confidence in the credibility of our elections. Thus, we call on the COMELEC to take every necessary measure to ensure that all electoral processes remain secure, lawful, and above suspicion.”

PDP-Laban also reiterated its call for the Comelec to uphold existing laws, particularly those requiring manual voting at precincts. “When every ballot is read aloud, when every tally is done in full view of the public, we build trust. We ensure that no machine— and no one behind it— can tamper with the voice of the people.”

The party also urged Comelec to pause the implementation of online or internet-based voting for overseas Filipinos until a clear and proper legal framework is in place. PDP-Laban stated, “We strongly urge the COMELEC to pause the implementation of online or internet-based voting for overseas Filipinos until there is a clear and proper law that authorizes it. Before we change the way Filipinos vote, especially our kababayans abroad, we must first be sure that the system is legal, secure, and thoroughly vetted before implementation.”

PDP-Laban further emphasized the need for greater transparency in the election process, calling for public accountability in the handling of sensitive election materials. The party concluded, “We call on the Comelec to immediately address these concerns, ensure the secure handling of all election paraphernalia, and restore the public’s trust in the electoral system.”

The statement closed with a call for unity and a commitment to ensuring a clean, honest, and credible election: “To every Filipino, here and abroad, PDP-Laban stands with you. Let us all continue to fight for clean, honest, and credible elections where every vote counts, and every voice is heard.”