Comelec files cybercrime complaint against Jeryll Harold Respicio, a vice mayoral candidate in Isabela, over his claims that he could manipulate the results of the May elections.
The complaint was filed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) through its Task Force Katotohanan, Katapatan, at Katarungan (KKK) sa Halalan at the Manila Prosecutors’ Office this morning.
Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco, representing the task force, signed the complaint.
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia condemned Respicio’s statements as dangerous and misleading, saying they condition the public to believe that election results can be manipulated.
In his videos, Respicio alleged that a backdoor program could override the Automated Counting Machines and even demonstrated how it could be done.
Garcia emphasized that Respicio’s statements do not just target Comelec but undermine the entire electoral process and its integrity.
He stressed that the commission would not tolerate such claims.
Garcia also warned that Comelec will file complaints against those spreading online misinformation or fake news against candidates, political parties, or voters.
Respicio, who is running for vice mayor of Reina Mercedes, Isabela, is both a lawyer and a certified public accountant (CPA).
The task force will also file a disqualification case against Respicio, a disbarment case with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and a petition with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to revoke his CPA license.
Meanwhile, Garcia urged netizens to be cautious when sharing information online.