The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has dismissed as fake news a social media post alleging that the ₱50 million financial assistance provided by the Dasmariñas City Government for the upcoming special elections in Cavite constitutes "legal bribery."
In a Fake News Alert issued on July 30, 2026, COMELEC refuted a circulating Facebook post claiming that the funding was intended to influence the conduct and outcome of the August 29, 2026 special elections for the 4th Legislative District of Cavite, where the mother of Dasmariñas Acting Mayor Elpidio "Thirdy" Barzaga III is running as a candidate.
The poll body clarified that the ₱50 million from the Dasmariñas City Government is an additional fund intended to support the orderly and successful conduct of the special elections.
“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.
COMELEC categorically denied claims that the funding was a form of bribery or an attempt to influence the electoral process.
“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.
The agency emphasized that bribery is never legal and described the allegation as unfounded and unsupported by evidence.
“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.
COMELEC also stressed that questions regarding the legality of government spending should be addressed through proper legal channels rather than through the spread of misleading information 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.
The poll body urged the public to verify information before sharing it on social media and to rely on official announcements and credible sources.
“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.
