Multiple graphics in different versions circulating on Facebook (FB) are claiming that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is hiring poll watchers nationwide with a salary ranging from P3,000 to P4,500 for the May 12 elections. These are fake.
All the graphics bore the logo of Comelec and the earliest copy published on May 3 carried the caption that read:
“RE: ELECTION DAY — MAY 12
COMELEC HIRING NATIONWIDE
✓ WATCHERS
✓ MACHINE OPERATOR
SALARY: PHP 4,500 ONE DAY ONLY
APPLY HERE: https://bit.ly/Hiring-watchers-applyhere
PLEASE INFORM YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS WHO WANT TO APPLY
Let’s make Election Day safe and comfortable for everyone.
CopyrightDisclaimer”
Several pages and a user have reposted the graphics across various FB groups with slight changes in their captions to include fake application links that redirect netizens to products from e-commerce sites.
One version included the caption, “HIRING WATCHERS NATIONWIDE !! Apply Now!!” while another copy posted on May 7 revised its caption the following day to inform netizens that the graphic was fake, but it retained the fake application forms and the last two sentences urging the public to share the announcement with family members interested in applying.
In a May 8 advisory, the Comelec dismissed the claim, stating that no such announcement was issued through its official platforms.
According to Article III of Comelec Resolution No. 11076, poll watchers are appointed by the candidates, political parties, or duly accredited citizens’ arms.
“Hindi sila ini-hire ng gobyerno bilang regular na empleyado at walang bayad mula sa pamahalaan, maliban kung ito’y malinaw na itinalaga sa batas o alituntunin,” the poll body said.
The Comelec also cautioned that sharing election-related “false, alarming information” constitutes an election offense under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code.
VERA Files Fact Check has recently debunked a fake viral photo claiming the Comelec issued a “No National ID, No Vote” advisory, which the poll body has refuted.
The fake hiring announcement started emerging almost a week before the May 12 elections.
The graphics, posted multiple times by FB page Philippine Information Sites (created on May 3, 2025) and by two other pages, have collectively received 3,013 interactions as of writing.
