MANILA (UPDATE) - The website of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) appeared to have been defaced by hackers from Anonymous Philippines on Sunday night.

In the message posted on the website, the group lashed at the poll body for initially rejecting some of the security features of the automated polls.

"One of the processes by which people exercise their sovereignty is through voting in an election - where people choose the candidates who will best represent them under the principle that 'Public office is a public trust.'"

"But what happens when the electoral process is so mired with questions and controversies? Can the government still guarantee that the sovereignty of the people is upheld?" the group added.

The group called on the Comelec to implement the security features of the vote-counting machines (VCM).

The Supreme Court earlier affirmed its ruling ordering Comelec to print voters' receipts in the May 9 synchronized national and local elections.

Meanwhile, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said they have already informed their IT department about the incident.

Saw the exploit too. thanks to everyone who reported it. I have already notified our IT department. They'll get this sorted out.

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) March 27, 2016

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