Rigged Elections? COMELEC Silences Lawyer Who Exposed ‘Hacking’ Risk!

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In the lead-up to the 2025 Philippine elections, a significant debate has emerged concerning the integrity of the Commission on Elections' (COMELEC) Automated Counting Machines (ACMs). This discourse was ignited by Atty. Jeryll Harold Respicio, a vice mayoral candidate from Reina Mercedes, Isabela, who publicly expressed apprehensions about the potential vulnerability of these machines to hacking. Instead of engaging in a public dialogue to address these concerns, COMELEC responded by filing a cyber libel complaint against Respicio, raising questions about transparency and the suppression of dissent.

The Core of the Concern

Atty. Respicio's primary allegation revolves around the possibility of ACMs being compromised to manipulate election outcomes. He suggested that these machines could be accessed and their software altered to produce fraudulent results. These claims were disseminated through videos on his Facebook page, which have since been deleted. 

COMELEC's Stance and Actions

In response to these allegations, COMELEC filed a cyber libel complaint against Respicio, asserting that his claims were unfounded and damaging to the institution's credibility. COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia led the filing of this complaint, emphasizing the commission's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. 

Clarifying the ACM Operational Protocols

To address public concerns, COMELEC has reiterated the operational protocols of the ACMs:

Printing of Election Returns: After the voting concludes, the ACMs first print multiple copies of the Election Returns for both national and local positions. 

Prompt for Transmission: Post-printing, the machine displays a prompt asking if the Electoral Board wishes to transmit the results.

Manual Internet Connection: Only after the physical copies are printed does the Electoral Board manually insert a modem into the ACM's USB port to initiate the electronic transmission.

This sequence ensures that the ACMs remain offline during voting and the initial printing phase, minimizing the risk of external interference. 

Public Perception and the Need for Transparency

The arrest of Atty. Respicio has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between maintaining institutional integrity and upholding democratic principles. Critics argue that instead of resorting to legal action, COMELEC could have utilized this opportunity to educate the public about the security measures in place, thereby reinforcing trust in the electoral system.

The situation underscores the importance of transparent communication between electoral bodies and the public. Addressing concerns openly not only dispels misinformation but also strengthens the democratic fabric by fostering informed citizenry.

Conclusion

While the integrity of the electoral process is paramount, it is equally crucial to ensure that concerns raised by stakeholders are addressed transparently and constructively. COMELEC's decision to pursue legal action against Atty. Respicio highlights the challenges institutions face in balancing authority with democratic engagement. Moving forward, fostering open dialogues and enhancing public education on electoral processes may serve as more effective tools in preserving both the integrity of elections and the principles of democracy.

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