Comelec warning on election critics clarified by poll lawyer

Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay warned individuals and groups making unsubstantiated accusations that undermine the integrity of the 2022 elections, stating the poll body "will not hesitate to call upon" the military to arrest critics.

However, election lawyer Emil Maranon clarified that the Comelec cannot directly order the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to make arrests, as only the Philippine National Police can do so with a court warrant.

Maranon emphasized that the AFP's involvement in election matters is limited, and the election process is a civilian matter.

He also stated that Comelec has the authority to prosecute the propagation of fake information but not to order arrests directly.

Maranon advised Comelec to correct Bulay's statement to avoid giving the public the wrong impression that criticism of the poll body is prohibited.