PDP-Laban raises alarm over election devices in unsecured facilities

The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on Wednesday expressed concern over the reported discovery of election paraphernalia in an unsecured, non-government facility.

PDP-Laban Vice Chairperson Alfonso Cusi raised alarm that several Starlink satellite kits—vital for the electronic transmission of Election Returns—were found at a private residence in Brgy. Buhangin, Davao City.

“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,” Cusi said in a statement.

He emphasized that these devices are critical for transmitting election data from polling precincts to central servers.

“Their presence in an unsecured, non-government facility raises important questions that cannot be ignored- issues on storage protocols, security arrangements, and the chain of custody for sensitive election materials,” he lamented.

“Given the significance of these devices in the transmission phase of the election process, their protection must be absolute,” he added.

Cusi noted the importance of ensuring that every Filipino vote is freely cast, accurately counted, and protected from any doubts or uncertainty.

He then called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to take every necessary measure to ensure that all electoral processes “remain secure, lawful, and above suspicion.”

Cusi said the PDP-Laban also renewed its call for Comelec to enforce existing electoral laws, including the requirement for manual voting at precincts.

He emphasized that transparency is critical to maintaining public trust.

“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,” he said.

The PDP-Laban also voiced strong opposition to the proposed online voting system for overseas Filipinos.

“In the same vein, 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,” said Cusi.

“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.”

Cusi stressed that the voting reforms must go through proper legislative processes and "not just administrative issuances."

“The [PDP-Laban] reaffirms its steadfast commitment to preserving the integrity of our electoral process and ensuring that every Filipino vote is cast freely, counted accurately, and protected from doubt or uncertainty,” he said.

“With the 2025 National and Local Elections fast approaching, we believe that now—more than ever—is the time to uphold and reinforce the public’s trust in our democratic institutions,” he added.