MANILA -- The Philippines' 2019 midterm polls were fraught with anomalies in the voting process, heated political scuffles and subterfuge. Now, in the buildup to May's presidential, Senate and local elections, critics and officials are expressing doubts as to whether the problems have been sufficiently addressed.
Kontra Daya (Against Fraud), one of the largest election watchdogs in the country, has flagged some worrying signs for the entire electoral process. The group cited transgressions by candidates and dubious activity by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) before and during the campaign period, which started Feb. 8, warning that reforms are needed before voting day on May 9.
