Comelec warns against fake poll watcher recruitment posts

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a warning about social media posts falsely claiming to recruit poll watchers and machine operators for the upcoming midterm elections on May 12.

These posts, including one by 'Philippine Information Sites', are fake news with no official announcement from Comelec regarding such hiring.

According to Article III of Comelec Resolution No. 11076, political candidates, partylists, or accredited citizens' groups determine poll watchers, who are not hired by the government as regular employees and are unpaid unless specified in law.

The misleading post incorrectly spelled 'Comelec' and directed users to a non-official website potentially exposing them to phishing attempts.

Spreading false and alarming election-related information is an offense under Section 261(z)(11) of the Omnibus Election Code, and the public are urged to report such posts to authorities.