Comelec Denies Disqualification of Bayan Muna, Warns Against Disinformation
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has vehemently denied circulating rumors about the disqualification of Bayan Muna, a prominent party-list group, from the upcoming May 12 elections. In a statement released late Saturday, the poll body confirmed that Bayan Muna and all its nominees remain eligible and on the ballot, urging voters to disregard the false information. The Comelec’s clarification came in response to a surge of fabricated social media posts, including a fake Comelec press release and manipulated images mimicking legitimate news outlets, falsely claiming Bayan Muna’s disqualification and declaring votes cast for them as "null and void."
The spread of this disinformation has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential to mislead voters. The Comelec has strongly condemned the malicious act, emphasizing that it is a blatant violation of the public’s right to accurate and truthful information, particularly during the crucial election period. The poll body has issued a stern warning to those responsible, stating that spreading such false and alarming information constitutes an election offense under Section 261(z)(11) of the Omnibus Election Code.
Individuals found guilty of this offense face severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to six years without probation, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and the loss of their voting rights. The Comelec’s swift response and clear condemnation underscore its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent election, free from manipulation and misinformation.
While Bayan Muna chair and first nominee Neri Colmenares expressed appreciation for the Comelec’s prompt clarification, he urged the poll body to take more decisive action against the perpetrators of the disinformation campaign. Colmenares emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible, setting a strong precedent against such deceptive tactics in future elections. He highlighted the concerning proliferation of similar fake news during the 2022 presidential elections, emphasizing the urgent need to curb this trend and protect the integrity of the democratic process.
Colmenares’s call for stronger action resonates with concerns about the increasing prevalence of disinformation in the digital age. The ease with which false information can be created and disseminated poses a significant threat to democratic institutions and public trust. The incident involving Bayan Muna serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of elections to manipulation and the crucial role of election authorities in combating disinformation.
Other party-list groups affiliated with the Makabayan bloc, which includes Bayan Muna, have also reported similar disinformation campaigns targeting them and have requested the Comelec to address these false claims. The concerted effort to spread disinformation targeting specific political groups raises concerns about a coordinated attempt to influence the election outcome. The Comelec’s response to these incidents will be crucial in upholding the integrity of the elections and ensuring that voters have access to accurate information to make informed decisions.