Comelec clarifies Bayan Muna eligible for elections

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has clarified that Bayan Muna and other Makabayan bloc party-list groups remain eligible for the May 12 midterm elections, dismissing false claims circulating on social media.

On Sunday, May 11, Comelec issued a statement debunking fabricated images and news articles falsely alleging the disqualification of Bayan Muna and other Makabayan bloc candidates, while Bayan Muna filed a complaint against these disinformation campaigns with the poll body.

Bayan Muna national chairperson Neri Colmenares arrived at the Comelec in Intramuros to lodge the complaint, which called for action against fake news targeting their party-list and alleged coordinated red-tagging campaign.

As of May 12, election day, all names of senatorial bets and party-list groups under Makabayan remain on the ballots with no official disqualification rulings from Comelec or the Supreme Court.

Comelec reminded the public that spreading false and alarming information is an election offense punishable under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, and emphasized that no resolution has been issued to disqualify any Makabayan bloc candidates.