The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has officially recognized the Civil Society Organization-led Independent Election Monitoring Center (IEMC) as an election monitor for the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections.

 

The decision was made during the May 5, 2025 Referendum/Consultation, where the COMELEC En Banc resolved to grant the IEMC formal linkage with the Provincial Election Monitoring Action Center (PEMAC) and the City/Municipal Election Monitoring Action Center (C/MEMAC). This recognition allows the IEMC to actively participate in election monitoring during the pre-election, election day, and post-election phases.

 

Strengthening Electoral Integrity in BARMM and Sulu

 

The IEMC is a collaborative initiative led by several organizations, including:

  • Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG)
  • National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL)
  • Notre Dame University (NDU)
  • Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC)
  • Climate and Conflict Action Asia (CCAA)
  • Coalition for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT)
  • Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)

 

The monitoring center aims to uphold electoral integrity by tracking election-related incidents, conducting real-time results reporting, and facilitating engagement with stakeholders such as COMELEC, security agencies, and the media.

 

READ: Independent Election Monitoring Center Launched in Cotabato City to Safeguard BARMM and Sulu Elections

 

Formal Linkage and Operational Support

 

With this recognition, the IEMC will have:

  • A designated CSO-IEMC liaison within PEMAC and MEMAC for real-time communication and coordination.
  • Access to relevant election information, updates, and operational briefings.
  • Collaboration with COMELEC teams to promote accurate reporting and rapid incident response mechanisms.

 

Commitment to Transparent and Inclusive Elections

 

The request for official recognition was initiated by Atty. Benedicto Bacani of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), who emphasized the importance of civil society participation in ensuring transparent, credible, and inclusive elections in BARMM and Sulu.

 

COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, along with Commissioners Aimee P. Ferolino, Rey E. Bulay, Ernesto Ferdinand P. Maceda Jr., Nelson J. Celis, Maria Norina S. Tangaro-Casingal, and Noli R. Pipo, approved the resolution, reinforcing the commission’s commitment to electoral transparency and accountability.

 

This recognition marks a significant step toward strengthening democratic processes in BARMM and Sulu, ensuring that the 2025 elections are conducted with fairness, integrity, and public trust.