THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) Northern Mindanao regional director Renato Magbutay, on Sunday, clarified that no resolution has been issued disqualifying Barangay Chairman Rainier Joaquin ‘Kapkik’ Uy from today’s May 12 elections.
Magbutay confirmed that Uy remains on the official list of candidates that voters can choose from on election day.
The rumors claiming Uy’s disqualification surfaced on social media, with posts alleging that Comelec disqualified him due to a “Torjak” remark. However, these claims are false.
Magbutay advised voters to stay vigilant and report any misinformation to authorities.
A On facebook page called CDO News Today, Anti Chainge, and others shared a fabricated graphic and story claiming that Uy was disqualified by Comelec.
Even credible media outlets such as Gold Star Daily and Magnum Radio claimed they had not reported any disqualification.
The post, shared by several Facebook pages on May 10, like this paper, Gold Star Daily News has amassed over 33 shares, 564 likes, and 124 comments.
It mimics legitimate news formats, resembling reports from well-known outlets like Magnum Radio, and includes fabricated statements styled as official Comelec press releases.
In response, Uy’s legal counsel, the Law Office of Carrasco & Gencoso, issued an official statement denying the disqualification rumors.
They described the reports as “a brazen lie” and “fake news,” warning that such misinformation aims to deceive voters and disrupt the electoral process.
The law firm emphasized that there is no legal basis for the disqualification claim and that it contradicts official records and proceedings.
“This is nothing but a desperate and illegal attempt to mislead voters and interfere with the electoral process,” the statement declared.
The legal team reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Uy’s electoral rights and integrity, warning the public and media of the legal consequences of spreading false information.
Under Section 261(z)(11) of the Omnibus Election Code, disseminating malicious or misleading election-related news is punishable by law.
The law office also indicated its readiness to pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading the fake news.
This disinformation appears to be part of a broader effort to influence the upcoming local elections, in which Uy is running as the first District representative of Cagayan de Oro City.
