Comelec open to 2025 polls probe

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday, 10 July, said it is open to an investigation into the 2025 midterm elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said he and other poll officials are ready to face the complaint filed against them by a multi-sectoral group before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

"We are open to any investigation regarding the recent elections. The people trust the NBI and so do we in the Commission," Garcia told reporters.

"We have answered and refuted everything they are saying for a long time and repeatedly," he added.

The complainants – a group composed of bishops, retired generals, and civil society leaders – are accusing the Comelec of committing illegal acts in connection with the conduct of the 12 May midterm elections and are asking the NBI Anti-Fraud Division to investigate the poll body.

Garcia noted that the conduct of the recent elections was fair, honest, peaceful, and credible.

"This was affirmed by groups that observed and monitored the elections such as Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, European Union, various embassies, churches, schools, and public and private organizations in the country," he added.

"Such disagreements or conflicting positions are what we expect as a picture of a healthy democracy."

The Comelec is being charged with multiple counts of system interference under Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.