During the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections, ensuring a clean and fair process is everyone’s responsibility—not just COMELEC’s.
If you witness or experience election violations, knowing what to do and how to report them could help protect your community and uphold the value of your vote.
What Counts as an Election Violation?
Election violations refer to any act that breaks election laws, especially those that affect voter rights, campaign fairness, or the integrity of the voting process.
Some of the most common examples include:
Vote-Buying and Vote-Selling
- Offering or accepting money, food, goods, or favors in exchange for votes
Harassment or Intimidation
- Threatening voters to influence their choices
- Preventing someone from entering the polling place
Campaigning on Election Day
- Distributing flyers, posting banners, or convincing voters near polling places
- Wearing campaign shirts or accessories while voting
Tampering With Election Materials
- Damaging or tampering with ballots or vote-counting machines
- Attempting to manipulate the automated transmission process
Using Government Resources for Campaigning
- Using barangay halls, government vehicles, or public funds for partisan purposes
To know more about prohibited acts and campaign rules, check [COMELEC Resolution No. 11056: Key Rules for the 2025 Elections].
Where to Report Election Violations
You can report election offenses to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and its partner organizations through multiple official and independent channels. These options are meant to accommodate both formal complaints and citizen-led reports to promote accountability during the elections.
- COMELEC Law Department
- Located at the COMELEC Main Office in Intramuros, Manila
- Receives formal complaints with signed affidavits and supporting evidence
- Best suited for serious or legal cases requiring direct action
- Provincial and City Election Offices
- Ideal for reporting local incidents
- Can provide complaint forms and escalate issues to COMELEC’s central office
- May also refer you to nearby legal assistance if necessary
- Election Monitoring Partners (PPCRV, NAMFREL)
- Accredited citizens’ arms that assist in documenting election incidents
- May guide voters on how to properly file reports or track election issues
- Trusted by the public for neutral, non-partisan monitoring
- VoteReportPH: Community-Based Reporting Platform
An alliance of election watchdogs and ICT professionals, including the Computer Professionals’ Union (CPU), launched VoteReportPH to make public reporting easier and more transparent.
This platform provides multiple reporting options and is open to all voters.
What Violations Can You Report?
- Vote buying or vote selling
- Red-tagging or harassment of voters or candidates
- Dissemination of fake news or disinformation
- Election-related violence
- Illegal use of public funds or government resources
What Information Should You Include?
- Time, date, and location of the incident
- Description of what happened
- Photo, video, screenshot, or document to support your claim
How to Report via SMS
Send “HELP” to 0948-146-8304.
Then submit your report in this format:
REPORT <space> Name/Location and Precinct ID/Details
Example:
REPORT Andre/QC/Precinct 0312/Bumibili ng boto si Politico X, 9:30 AM
How to Report via Email
Send your incident report to:
votereportph@cp-union.com
Include the following:
- Time
- Date
- Location
- Detailed description of the incident
- Attach any visual evidence if available
How to Report via Social Media
Post on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the hashtags:
#VoteReportPH and #KontraDaya
Make sure to include:
- Time and date
- Location
- Incident details
- Set your post’s privacy setting to Public
How to Report via Website
Go to http://votereportph.org/report
Fill out the online form and upload your evidence (photo, video, screenshot, etc.).
For gun ban-related offenses or illegal armed groups, you can also contact the COMELEC Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel, as outlined in [COMELEC Resolution No. 11067: Gun Ban and Security Rules].
What Information Should You Document?
Your report must include clear and specific details. Incomplete or vague information can delay or weaken the investigation. Make sure to include:
Date and Time
- When did the incident happen? Be as exact as possible.
Location
- Name of the precinct, barangay, or city where the violation occurred
- Provide landmarks if it happened outside a voting center
Description of the Incident
- What exactly happened?
- Describe the act in simple and factual terms
- Avoid assumptions—stick to what you saw or experienced
People Involved
- Names of the violators (if known)
- Descriptions (clothes, vehicles, uniforms, etc.)
- Any officials or campaigners present during the incident
Photos or Videos
- If it’s safe to do so, capture visual evidence
- Make sure the files are not edited or altered in any way
Witness Statements
- If others saw what happened, include their names and contact details (if they agree)
The clearer your report, the easier it is for COMELEC to take action.
What Happens After You Report
Once COMELEC receives your complaint:
- Initial Review – They check if the report is complete and within their jurisdiction.
- Investigation – If valid, an investigation is opened.
- Filing of Charges – The case may be forwarded to the Department of Justice for further action.
- Hearing and Penalties – If found guilty, violators may face:
- Imprisonment
- Disqualification from office
- Loss of voting rights
Election offenses are criminal in nature and cannot be settled privately or through compromise.
Can You Report Anonymously?
Yes, you may report anonymously—but:
- Anonymous reports may not hold as much legal weight
- COMELEC may not be able to investigate thoroughly without firsthand witnesses
If you fear retaliation, consider reporting through citizen arms like PPCRV or NAMFREL, which can forward reports while protecting your identity.
What If You’re the Victim of a Violation?
If you were harassed, coerced, or harmed:
- Seek help from local authorities or barangay officials immediately
- Record the details of what happened as soon as it’s safe
- Report it to COMELEC and request protection if needed
You can also ask legal aid groups or voter advocacy organizations for help in filing your complaint.
Conclusion
Elections are about making your voice heard—but that voice is only meaningful if the process is fair, safe, and free from abuse.
By reporting violations and helping hold others accountable, you’re doing your part to protect democracy.
Whether you’re a watcher, a voter, or a first-timer, your awareness and action can make a big difference.