Comelec Chairman George Garcia has issued a warning to aspirants in the 2025 national and local elections in the Philippines to be cautious of syndicates attempting to extort money in exchange for guaranteed wins.
The syndicates, operating in certain areas of Luzon and Mindanao, claim to have connections within the Comelec’s Information Technology Department and demand up to P100 million for their services.
They promise candidates that they can secure their victory within minutes, even without campaigning. The strategy involves requesting advance payment, citing that opponents are ready to pay in full.
Garcia emphasized the importance of vigilance and coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to address the issue.
The Comelec is committed to assisting in legal proceedings against these syndicates once their members are apprehended.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 26, 2024