The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is already validating the veracity of the report on the alleged hacking of its system.

"The Comelec is presently validating the allegations of the article published by the Manila Bulletin, specifically whether Comelec systems have, in fact been compromised," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement.

"With no independent verification that a hack has indeed taken place, one thing immediately stands out: the article alleges that the hackers were able to 'download files that included, among others, usernames and PINS of vote-counting machines (VCM).' The fact, however, is that such information still does not exist in Comelec systems simply because the configuration files - which includes usernames and PINs - have not yet been completed. This calls into question the veracity of the hacking claim," he added.

As for the rest of the allegations, Jimenez said, the article offers scant substantiation for its assertions despite claiming that the authors had “verified that there was an ongoing hack.”

"Indeed, the article does not even offer proof of such verification," he said.

The Comelec assured the public of its full and scrupulous compliance with the Data Privacy Act, as well as its continuing cooperation with the National Privacy Commission.

Jimenez said the Comelec will continue its efforts to validate the assertions made by article.

"In this regard, we invite the authors to shed light on their allegations, particularly with regard to the 'verification' they claim to have carried out," he said.

"Considering that 'news' like this could potentially damage the credibility of the elections, the Comelec stands ready to pursue all available remedies against those who, either deliberately or otherwise, undermine the integrity of the electoral process," added Jimenez.