The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has debunked viral social media claims alleging that a ₱50 million financial assistance package from the Dasmariñas City Government for the upcoming Cavite special elections constitutes “legal bribery.”
In a official Fake News Alert issued on July 30, 2026, the electoral body refuted allegations that the funding was intended to compromise the integrity of the August 29 special elections for Cavite’s 4th Legislative District. The post had raised concerns involving candidate Jenny Barzaga, the former Dasmariñas City Mayor and mother of ousted Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga.
COMELEC clarified that the ₱50 million provided by the local government is legitimate supplemental funding intended to ensure smooth and successful election operations.
“Ang ₱50 milyon mula sa Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Dasmariñas ay dagdag-pondo para sa maayos at matagumpay na pagsasagawa ng nasabing Special Elections,” COMELEC said.
The agency firmly rejected claims that the financial aid was an attempt to influence poll results or manipulate the election authority.
“Ang pondong ito ay hindi isang uri ng suhol para impluwensyahan ang COMELEC at baluktutin ang magiging resulta ng Special Elections sa Dasmariñas, Cavite,” the Commission stated.
Addressing the online accusations, COMELEC underscored that bribery is inherently illegal and described the viral post as baseless disinformation.
“Hindi kailanman legal ang akto ng panunuhol. Ang tahasang akusasyon na ito sa COMELEC na walang sapat na batayan at hindi suportado ng ebidensya ay isang pangunahing kakanyahan ng disinformation,” it added.
The Commission urged critics to question government fund usage through proper legal channels rather than spreading misleading claims online.
“Ang anumang isyu hinggil sa legalidad ng paggamit ng pondo ng gobyerno ay nararapat na dumaan sa tamang proseso at resolbahin ng mga kinauukulan batay sa umiiral na batas,” the Commission said.
Closing its advisory, the poll body advised the public to remain vigilant against unverified reports on social media and to consult official sources for accurate information.
“Huwag agad maniwala o magbahagi ng impormasyong hindi beripikado. Ugaliing suriin ang impormasyon sa mga opisyal na pahayag ng COMELEC at iba pang mapagkakatiwalaang sanggunian,” COMELEC reminded.