With three days left before the May 12 National and Local Elections, LENTE reinforces its commitment to safeguarding the electoral process, focusing on five core standards: Safety, Accountability, Transparency, Inclusiveness, and National Public Confidence.

Accountability: ASR, Vote-Buying, Campaign Violations

As of May 9, LENTE has received 44 reports on abuse of state resources (ASR) in elections, vote-buying, and campaign period violations. These include the blatant use of government vehicles and facilities for campaigning, vote-buying through cash and goods, and campaigning disguised as government programs, through last-minute ayuda distributions, medical missions, and fiestas featuring candidates. These reports are being escalated through close coordination with the Commission on Elections’ Committee on Kontra-Bigay tasked with investigating and addressing abuse of state resources and vote-buying complaints. LENTE is also working closely with COMELEC’s Special Task Force Baklas to act on reports of violations of campaign rules, especially illegal campaign materials and posting in prohibited areas.

Transparency: Election Disinformation

LENTE is also closely monitoring disinformation tactics being used to erode public confidence in the electoral process. We have observed three key tactics. First, amplification of narratives on election fraud and cheating. Second, flooding the information space with misleading or emotionally charged content on issues like ballot tampering, voter intimidation, and alleged problems with our automated counting machines, online voting system, and the transmission process. Third, harassment particularly red-tagging election stakeholders and candidates from progressive blocs. LENTE continues to coordinate with Meta (Facebook) and TikTok to flag and request the removal of harmful content through Trusted and Community Partner Channels. We are also part of the newly activated Threat Monitoring Center under Task Force KKK sa Halalan to synergize monitoring efforts.

Inclusiveness: Vulnerable Sectors Voting

LENTE continues to work closely with the COMELEC Vulnerable Sectors Office (VSO), COMELEC local field offices, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the sector heads of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, the National Commission on Disability Affairs, Bureau of Corrections, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in BARMM, organizations of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives, and organizations of persons with disabilities and senior citizens to deliver voter education activities tailored to the needs of vulnerable sectors. This is to ensure that they are informed of election updates and developments relevant to them and empowered to vote on election day.

Implications for the 1st BARMM Parliamentary Elections

The issues in the lead-up to the May 12 elections are not only urgent for the present but also carry important lessons for the Bangsamoro. As BARMM prepares for its first-ever parliamentary elections in October 2025, the issues we observe now must guide urgent reforms and initiatives in the region. How the May 12 elections will unfold in the BARMM will set the tone and standards for electoral participation and integrity in the region.

Final Reminders

LENTE reiterates key reminders for all election stakeholders:

• civil service employees and uniformed personnel must remain non-partisan;
• social welfare program beneficiaries must not be coerced into supporting any candidate;
• digital platforms must not be used to harass, bully, or spread disinformation; and
• vulnerable sectors, including persons with disabilities, older persons, Indigenous Peoples, and persons deprived of liberty, must be treated with dignity and provided equal access to the electoral process.

With the campaign period ending on May 10, we also remind all candidates, their supporters, and public officials that any form of campaigning-physical or digital-during the silent period is prohibited. We call on the general public to reject practices such as vote buying, ASR, and intimidation that only result in the distortion of our democratic process and disrespect for our right to suffrage.

As we enter the final 72 hours, LENTE urges all Filipinos to remain informed, vigilant, and courageous. Report and document violations, speak up, and uphold the sanctity of our votes. Through these final 72 hours, LENTE and its 1,200 trained volunteers stand ready to observe, respond, and report on-the-ground developments. Let us all do our part to ensure that the 2025 elections are not only peaceful but truly reflective of the people’s will.