The Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified that filing an election protest is the only way to initiate a manual recount of votes in Eleksyon 2025. This was emphasized amid calls for a recount by a detained senatorial candidate and religious leader.
Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco advised parties who want to challenge the election results to officially file an election protest to begin the process. “Payo na lang po namin sa mga parties na nais magkwestiyon: you file an election protest, pumasok po tayo sa proseso,” he said.
When Does a Manual Recount Occur?
According to Comelec, a manual recount happens only under two conditions: during a random manual audit (RMA) or when an election protest is formally filed. The commission has already started the RMA for Eleksyon 2025 as required by law.
Laudiangco also explained that the petitioner must provide valid reasons for opening the ballots. Specifically, the petitioner needs to identify pilot precincts where irregularities in vote counting may have occurred.
Proving Irregularities in Pilot Precincts
If the petitioner fails to prove discrepancies in these pilot areas, the election protest will be dismissed. This step ensures that only credible claims proceed to a full manual recount.
Calls for Manual Recount Amid Vote Anomalies
Recently, the spokesperson of a senatorial candidate called for a manual recount of the senatorial votes, citing reports of overvoting, inconsistencies in ballot readings, and other irregularities.
“This is not a rejection of our democratic process, but a call to strengthen it. We remain committed to seeking justice, and we will pursue all legal avenues to ensure the integrity of every vote cast,” the spokesperson stated.
Based on the latest unofficial tally, the candidate ranked 31st out of 66, securing over 5.5 million votes in the May 12 elections.
For more updates on Eleksyon 2025, visit Filipinokami.com.