#BotoNgKabataan2025: Fake news about elections you should be aware of

IT IS election season in the Philippines, and election-related content is all over Filipinos’ social media feeds.

With only a few days before the #BotoNgKabataan2025 midterm polls, some are doubling their efforts in encouraging voters to support candidates who will represent their values and have strong platforms. Others, meanwhile, continue to educate Filipinos, especially first-time voters, on the voting process.

Despite this, disinformation remains prevalent on social media, bringing confusion to Filipino voters.

Here’s some false information about the upcoming polls that every voter should be aware of:

Fake: ‘No National ID, No Vote’ advisory

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) debunked a viral public advisory that claimed that a national ID is required for voters to cast their ballots on May 12, Monday.

The photo, which bore the Comelec’s name and logo, read: “No National ID, No Vote. Bring your National ID on May 12 mandatory.”

But the poll body stressed that the supposed “No National ID, No Vote” advisory was not posted on any of its official and verified social media platforms.

It clarified that voters will only be asked to present a valid ID “in case their identity cannot be verified through the Election Day Computerized Voters’ List (EDCVL).”

But Comelec Chair George Garcia encouraged voters to still bring a government-issued ID, although it is not required in voting.

“Kung talaga namang may madadala tayong ID, makikidala niyo na rin. Kasi po baka biglang may mag-challenge, may mag-question sa inyong pagkatao na isang watcher po doon, kahit papano may maipapakita po tayo ng pagkakakilanlan,” Garcia told reporters.

Fake: Elections moved to May 10

The poll body also dismissed another infographic which claimed that the 2025 polls have been moved from May 12 to May 10, “due to intense heat” forecasted by state weather bureau PAGASA.

The Comelec said it did not post the photo on its official social media accounts, and the 2025 polls will still be held on May 12, which has already been declared by Malacañang as a special non-working holiday.

“Walang makakapigil sa kasalukuyan sa halalan sa Mayo 12, sapagkat ‘yan mismo ay nakalagay sa ating Saligang Batas,” Garcia said.

“Tuloy na tuloy po ang halalan sa lahat ng presinto sa buong Pilipinas sa Mayo 12,” he added.

The Comelec reminded voters of the early voting hours—from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.—for senior citizens, persons with disability, and pregnant voters on Monday.

What to prepare?

Filipino voters are encouraged to bring their kodigo or the list of candidates they will vote for in the 2025 elections. 

Remember, each voter will elect the following:

• 12 senators
• 1 party-list
• 1 district representative
• 1 governor
• 1 vice governor
• Sangguniang Panlalawigan (number depends on the province’s classification)
• 1 mayor
• 1 vice mayor
• Sangguniang Panlungsod o Bayan (number depends on the voter’s city or municipality)

To help ease the long queues on election day, registered voters are urged to verify their registration status and locate their assigned polling precincts through Comelec’s precinct finder.

For more news about the #BotoNgKabataan2025 elections, visit republicasiamedia.com.