SEN. Nancy Binay said new election laws mandating the use of advanced biometric technologies were needed to curb flying voters and fraudulent registrations.
”I believe there’s the necessity of combining stringent legislation with modern technology to nip the problem in the bud,” Binay said in a statement on Wednesday, citing reports of fraudulent issuance of residence certificates, a requirement for voter registration, by some barangay (village) officials.
This was confirmed by Commission on Election (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia in a Senate hearing, noting that some barangay officials have exploited their authority to issue certificates to individuals who do not meet residency requirements, enabling fraudulent registrations and transfers.
Senator Nancy Binay. Photo courtesy of SENATE P.R.I.B.
“We need to safeguard the integrity of our electoral process at the first point of registration. Stricter laws on residency verification coupled with advanced biometric technology is necessary to ensure the credibility of the elections,” she added.
Binay said the Comelec’s biometric technology has identified around 1 million voters with double or multiple registrations in 2024 alone.
In Makati, the Comelec has detected nearly 57,000 voters who managed to register in areas where they are not actual residents using fraudulently issued barangay residence certificates, Binay said.
“Let this serve as a warning: election laws are in place for a reason. Anyone who manipulates the system will be held accountable,” she added, noting jail term of one to six years awaits those who violate election laws.
”Sad to say, transferees who make false declarations are likewise not exempt. We have to take note that both parties are under oath and may face criminal liability, including perjury, under the Revised Penal Code, and election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code,” Binay said.
Be the first to comment