FALSE

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.

Read the full story on VERA Files Fact Check.

VERA Files is a nonstock, nonprofit independent media organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Company Registration No. CN200808072). Founded in March 2008, it is published by veteran Filipino journalists taking a deeper look into current Philippine issues. Vera is Latin for “true.”

VERA Files was founded by journalists Ellen Tordesillas, Luz Rimban, Booma Cruz, Jennifer Santiago, Yvonne T. Chua and Chit Estella (who passed away in a road crash on May 13, 2011).

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