Editor’s Note: This fact check was originally published on election day, May 12, 2025. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu lost his bid for governor.
On election day, Facebook (FB) pages spread the claim that Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu was disqualified from running as governor of Maguindanao del Norte. This is not true, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
At least two FB pages circulated the claim as early as May 11. One of the posts bore the false claim:
“TENG MANGUDADATU DISQUALIFIED NG COMELEC: HINDI RESIDENT NG MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE (Teng Mangudadatu was disqualified by Comelec: Not a resident of Maguindanao del Norte)”
The posts also included a screenshot of an alleged Comelec press statement stating that Mangudadatu failed to provide adequate evidence showing that he has been residing in Maguindanao del Norte for at least one year to run as governor. The Local Government Code and the Omnibus Election Code stipulate a one-year residency requirement for all candidates running for local elective positions.
The Commission has debunked this claim, stating that any “Comelec” document stating that Mangudadatu has been disqualified is fabricated.
The Commission said only they have the power to decide on cases related to the elections. “All decisions shall undergo the correct process and any resolution shall be officially published before it is deemed final and executory,” it said in Filipino.
Warning the public, the Comelec also said spreading such false information is deemed an electoral offense under the Omnibus Election Code.
FB page Pakat ko (created on Sept. 8, 2023) and a user spread the false graphic, collectively garnering 30 comments and 360 shares.
