Educating the public on election-related concerns should be the focus of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), not warnings, the National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) said on Tuesday, April 26.
"There are election laws and processes in place to investigate and penalize election offenses, as well as to address election-related concerns. The focus ought to be on educating the public of these mechanisms, instead of resorting to warnings," Namfrel said in a statement.
It added that while the poll body is authorized to "deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections," Namfrel said that its limitations are clear and that it should not be weaponized against the people.
Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay issued a warning during the poll body's public briefing on Friday, April 22 against those who have been accusing the poll body of partisanship and cheating ahead of the upcoming May 2022 elections.
"Ako po ay nagwawarning sa inyo (I am warning you) We will not hesitate to call upon the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na ngayong sa panahong ito ay nasa control ng Comelec na patulan at ipahuli at ipakulong kayo, yung manggugulo sa election na ito (which at this time is under Comelec control, to arrest and jail those of you who will be disrupt the elections)," he said.
He added that as a former Manila chief prosecutor and that he will not think twice about filing cases against those who will impede in the elections.
Namfrel mentioned that the discharge of the Comelec's duty under the constitution and under the law to enforce and administer all laws relative to the conduct of elections for the purpose of ensuring free, orderly and honest elections is not free from public observation.
"The absence or lack of transparency of the processes of the Commission, whether in relation to cases or petitions before it, or in relation to its preparations of the automated election system that will be used for the 2022 National and Local Elections, has been a concern," Namfrel said.
"Any action or series of actions taken by the Commission may be perceived differently by citizens and citizen groups, and may lead them to express their perceptions and opinions, in agreement with the Commission or otherwise," it added.
With less than two weeks before the elections, Namfrel urged the poll body to be "more transparent" in its actions, encourage the promotion of inclusivity and participation by initiating conversations with stakeholders, and provide clear information in response to any issues or concerns raised by citizens and/or citizen groups.
NAMFREL is the first citizens-led, national election monitoring organization in the world. Since 1983, it has been accredited by the COMELEC as its citizens' arm.