THE Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has urged the people to be vigilant and report irregularities during the upcoming polls.
The group issued the statement few days before the May 9 elections.
The farmers enjoined the public, especially those in vote-rich provinces and “election hotspots,” to report cases of electoral fraud and related incidents.
"All sectors must be active in reporting election-related disinformation, vote buying, election fraud, election-related violence, disenfranchisement, and problems concerning the automated election system (AES) in their localities. Cases of threats, harassment, and red-tagging must also be compiled and reported," the KMP stated.
"We encourage the public to also watch and observe the final testing and sealing of vote counting machines (VCM) happening this week in different parts of the country. Transparency is important in the coming elections," it added.
KMP said reports should be backed up with evidence such as photos, video, and audio recordings if available, to be more credible.
Concerned citizens may post validated reports on social media using the hashtags #VoteReportPH and #KontraDayaPH.
"Lahat tayo tagabantay ng boto at watcher sa eleksyon," said Danilo Ramos, a member of the KMP.
"The public must remain vigilant and determined in exposing and opposing election-related anomalies and irregularities. The country's future is at stake. We cannot afford another seven-hour glitch or massive electoral fraud in whatever form. Every Filipino must safeguard our vote and ensure the conduct of clean, safe, and fair elections," Ramos added.
He said the final week leading to election day is critical because it is during this period that massive vote-buying happens at the local level.
"Vote buying is a classic form of cheating used by candidates with money to burn. Vote-buying and selling -- be it in the form of cash, promised gifts, among other forms, destroys the sanctity of the vote," the peasant leader added.