MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed social media reports claiming that overseas Filipino voters in Hong Kong were given money during a political rally for the 2025 elections. According to Comelec, there is no proof that vote-buying took place, calling the rumors fake news.
What Are the Vote-Buying Allegations?
Reports started circulating online, saying that Filipinos who attended a recent campaign rally in Hong Kong were given HKD 200 each (around ₱1,500). This immediately raised concerns that candidates were trying to buy votes from overseas voters.
However, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia was quick to set the record straight.
🗣️ “No confirmation. Indeed, it is fake news,” Garcia told GMA News Online.
Comelec and Consulate Investigate the Claims
Even though Comelec has not received any official complaints or reports, the poll body is taking the matter seriously. They are currently working with the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong to verify if there is any truth to the allegations.
So far, the investigation has found no credible evidence that vote-buying actually happened.
🗣️ “No one has approached us or submitted a sworn statement saying they were offered money at the rally,” Garcia said in another interview.
Could Candidates Face Punishment?
If vote-buying is proven, the candidates involved could face disqualification from the election. However, they cannot be charged with a criminal case since the alleged vote-buying happened outside the Philippines.
🗣️ “They may not face a criminal case, but they can still be disqualified,” Garcia explained.
For now, Comelec is standing firm—until solid proof is presented, the reports remain unverified and should be treated as fake news.
Comelec’s Fight Against Vote-Buying
To protect the integrity of the elections, Comelec has already tightened its rules on vote-buying and vote-selling. Last month, they relaunched the “Committee on Kontra Bigay,” which aims to crack down on illegal election activities ahead of the May 2025 polls.
As the election season heats up, Comelec is urging the public to be careful with online rumors and only believe information from official sources.
