Comelec Exec Dares People To File Formal Complaints On ‘Poll Cheating’

An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) – Region 7 has urged the public to file formal complaints on alleged cheating in the May 9 elections.

Comelec 7 Regional Director Jose Nick Mendros issued the statement after several accusations of cheating were thrown following last Monday’s election, particularly the alleged manipulation of vote counting machines (VCM).

“I am challenging them. Hope the legitimate claims will come out,” Mendros said.

He was asked to comment on a claim of a certain Erna Uy that she was paid to manipulate the VCMs in favor of Cebu City Mayor-Elect Tomas Osmeña.

In a Facebook post, Uy claimed that she is an employee of Comelec.

“Yes, it’s true we are paid P20,000 to do something with the PCOS machine (now VCM), the payment was done backdoor at our office. And now I’m resigning at Comelec. I feel guilty. True result: Michael Rama, 298,722; and Tommy Osmeña, 112,500,” read Uy’s Facebook post.

Mendros said the public should not believe everything that they see and read on Facebook.

“Those are allegations designed to discredit the credibility of the conduct of election. You (reporters) were there, sa precincts, sa canvassing and you see how transparent it is. Let her speak and tell the truth even outside our office. Let her name who are these peoplein Comelec,” Mendros said.

He said those with accusations of cheating must execute a formal petition before Comelec and should not only disclose it to the public.

Mendros said Uy has the burden of proof or has the responsibility to prove that her claim is true.

He also said he couldn’t find Uy’s name on the list of Comelec employees and job-order staff. (PNA)
LAP/EB/EDS