As millions of Filipinos are expected to troop to polling precincts on Monday, May 9, to cast their votes for the national and local polls, a group of retired police and military officials warned individuals and groups against any attempt to tamper the results of the elections.
The group, composed of members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1979, issued the warning after receiving reports of an alleged plot by some shadowy groups to tinker with the results of the elections in favor of the candidates they support.
In a statement, the group said the reports of election cheating are persistent and that there are verified indicators that the plan really exists.
"Let us be watchful and vigilant for any attempt or acts that will corrupt or disrupt the elections. Let us show the world that when Filipinos unite, we can conduct a truly honest and clean electoral process of selecting our future leaders," the statement read.
The group also urged all the retired police and military personnel not to be afraid in documenting and reporting any action to influence or alter the results of the elections.
All the complaints and documented reports, the group added, should be addressed to concerned election officials or to the military and police units. The group also issued the same appeal to the people regardless of their political leanings.
It said the people can also report all documented and verified irregularities to the mainstream, or post them in social media.
"We shall utilize all means allowed by our laws and the Constitution to safeguard the sanctity of our votes and make sure that the sovereign will of our people prevails," the group warned.
"Let us remember that the Filipino people will no longer tolerate any brazen and shameless attempt to thwart the sovereign will of our people.Let us work together to protect this sacred constitutional right," it added.
The group also called on the public refrain from making up stories just to discredit individuals: "Let us stop fomenting discord and divisiveness by spreading lies that could destroy relationships. Let us remember to report only those incidents that are verified and documented."
Various allegations of election cheating ploys have been circulating in the past months, starting with the reported hacking of all the data of the Commission on Elections in January this year.
Other allegations include pre-shaded ballots, ballots with the missing name of a presidential candidate, alleged collusion of election officials at the local level with certain candidates to ensure victory and even reports to render as invalid the votes that would be cast by supporters of certain candidates.
Since Saturday, there were also persistent reports of vote-buying at the local levels across the country.
The groups also recognized the role of the media in ensuring peaceful and credible conduct of the elections.
"To our friends in the media, thank you for your patience, hard work and sacrifice in ensuring that the truth is delivered to every Filipino. Your role is vital in the conduct of a free and honest elections. You have been indispensable partners of the people in protecting our democracy for so many elections now – the soul of the truth rests on your reports," the group said in a statement.
"Your continuous commitment and dedication in promoting the truth and upholding democracy time and again has preserved the will of the people. Please stand with us, stand with the Filipino people, and stay awake as we guard our democracy once again on May 9. Regardless of who makes it, the sovereign will of our people is the essence of our democracy," it added.