Follow us for updates
© 2022 reportr.world
Read the Story →

'We Will Run After You', Comelec Tells Local Bets Engaged in Vote Buying

As official campaign period starts.
by Erwin Colcol
Mar 28, 2022
Photo/s: Shutterstock
Shares

The Commission on Elections on Monday warned candidates in the local elections not to engage in vote-buying activities as the official campaign period begins, or the poll body would run after them.

Without mentioning any name, Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia said the poll body has been monitoring the activities of local candidates even before their campaign period formally started last March 25.

Prior to the start of the official campaign period, election aspirants are not considered candidates so election offenses, including vote buying, don't apply to them yet, according to the Supreme Court ruling on Penera vs. Comelec.

"Pero tapos na ang Penera vs. Comelec. Simula nitong March 25, kayo ay considered kandidato na at hahabulin namin kayo," Garcia said during the Laging Handa public briefing.

The Comelec will launch the inter-agency Task Force Kontra Bigay on Wednesday which will look into alleged incidents of vote buying with or without a formal complaint.

Continue reading below ↓

The poll body earlier said it needed a proper complaint before acting on the reported distribution of cash gifts after a campaign rally of presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos in Nueva Ecija.

"Kapag may vote buying, hindi nagre-reflect yung tunay na sentimiyento ng ating mga kababayan.... Hindi natin babalewalain yung mga akusasyon, alegasyon patungkol sa vote buying," Garcia said.

Garcia also encouraged ordinary Filipinos who have credible and solid proof of vote buying activities to report it to the Comelec.

"Doon sa magkakalaban, maganda ang mag-monitor kayo. Maganda kayo mismo ang titingin, papansin doon sa mga kalaban niyo sa position kung sila ay nagvi-violate, isumbong niyo sa amin at yan ay aaksyunan namin," he added.

The Omnibus Election Code prohibits any person from giving, offering, or promising money or anything of value to induce another person or the public in general to vote for or against a candidate.

Anyone found guilty of committing this election offense will be penalized with a jail sentence of up to six years, disqualification from holding public office, and deprivation of the right to vote.

Continue reading below ↓
Recommended Videos

ALSO READ:

Is It Okay to Accept Money From Politicians? Check Your Privilege First

Vote Buying? Pacquiao to Continue Giving Cash Aid, Camp Says

Beware of Vote-Buyers Who Bait the Poor with Ayuda: Archbishop Villegas

Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.

Latest Headlines
Read Next
Recent News
Appointment announced a day before Marcos' inauguration.
More time for K-drama, books, and mornings without alarms.
With the reopening of several local destinations, this app has never been more timely.
You can participate in person and virtually.
The news. So what? Subscribe to the newsletter that explains what the news means for you.
The email address you entered is invalid.
Thank you for signing up to On Three, reportr's weekly newsletter delivered to your mailbox three times a week. Only the latest, most useful and most insightful reads.
By signing up to reportr.world newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.