The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said those alleging that there was election fraud in the May 10 polls should back up their claim with solid proof.

“I would just recommend to those who are having these objections, allegations to come out and backed their accusation with solid proof,” Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar said.

Speaking over Church-run Radio Veritas 846 Friday, the CBCP head said there’s a need for these people to substantiate their claim of wholesale fraud so as not to create doubt on the minds of the people.

“Because if your just breaking out accusations and allegations, that will be putting people into  confusion and in doubt of the state of the first automated election,” said Odchimar.

“If there is evidence then this should be investigated to put the minds of the people at rest,” he added.

On Tuesday, an alleged whistleblower claimed that he was part of the vote padding and shaving operations during the recent elections.

Meanwhile, following his constituents’ clamor on his defeat, outgoing Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado and other losing election candidates have decided to file an election protest contesting the election and proclamation of Jejomar Erwin Binay, Jr., as winner in the mayoralty race in Makati City.

In his nine-page petition filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Mercado questioned the results of the elections in all of the city’s 483 precincts, charging various election anomalies, irregularities and fraud as well as rampant violations of election laws, rules and regulations allegedly carried out by the camp of Binay.

Mercado is also asking the Comelec to issue an order annulling and setting aside the proclamation of his opponent Binay Jr. as winner in the polls.

The two congressional candidates of Mercado -- Louie Locsin, wife of Rep. Teddy Locsin (for Makati City’s First District) and City Councilor Ernesto Aspillaga (for Second District) – and councilor aspirants Eddie Ison and Ferdie Estrella joined the vice mayor in filing their respective protests.

Mercado alleged massive vote-buying operation conducted through the distribution of redeemable coupons in the amount of P500 each voter.

Moreover, several witnesses said that the city elections were marred by fraud, mainly through electronic manipulations of the vote results.

Mercado’s protest is supported by concrete evidence of widespread poll fraud, including affidavits of at least 45 direct witnesses to election anomalies, irregularities and fraud, as well as on rampant violations of Batas Pambansa 881, as amended, otherwise known as Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.

Mercado said he was prodded to file a protest after he was encouraged by at least 1,000 residents and supporters who trooped to his house Friday morning.

“Wala na akong balak mag-protesta, kaya lang ang taong-bayan ang humiling na ipaglaban sila, kaya, narito tayo ngayon,” he said.

“Ginising ako ng mga tao ko at ipinaalam na may maraming tao na nagra-rally sa kalsada at sa tapat ng bahay. Sinalubong ako ng mga kababaihang nagiiyakan at hinihiling na ipaglaban ko ang kanilang nawawalang mga boto noong nakaraang halalan,” he added.