MANILA – “I’m not here to destroy public trust in COMELEC—I want to fix the system.” This was the firm statement of Atty. Jeryll Harold Respicio, vice mayoral candidate of Reina Mercedes, Isabela, as he responded to the cyber libel case filed against him by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Respicio is facing legal action for allegedly posting a video on social media demonstrating how the automated counting machines (VCMs) and source code for the 2025 elections could be hacked. COMELEC Chairman George Garcia personally filed the complaint before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office, arguing that such claims could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
COMELEC maintains that the country’s voting system is secure and has safeguards to prevent manipulation. Garcia warned that spreading misleading information about the elections could “condition the public’s mind” against the credibility of the process.
However, Respicio insists that his intent was not to incite distrust but to expose potential vulnerabilities in the system. “Transparency and security should be COMELEC’s top priority. If there are weaknesses, they must be addressed—not hidden,” he asserted.
Beyond the cyber libel charge, COMELEC is also planning to file a disqualification case against Respicio. Additionally, he may face separate complaints that could impact his legal and professional standing.
The case has sparked debate over the balance between election security and the right to scrutinize the system. Advocates for free speech argue that raising concerns about electoral integrity should not be met with legal action, as it encourages accountability and public discourse. Meanwhile, COMELEC maintains that spreading unverified claims could harm the democratic process.
Despite the mounting legal battles, Respicio remains defiant. “I will face this challenge head-on. The public deserves fair, transparent, and credible elections. If the system has flaws, it must be corrected—not blindly defended,” he declared.
As the 2025 elections approach, the outcome of this legal dispute will play a crucial role in shaping discussions on election integrity, accountability, and the limits of free speech in the country.