Comelec steps up anti-vote buying drive
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has intensified its campaign against vote-buying and the misuse of government resources in the run-up to the May 12 elections. Through a resolution, Comelec expanded the powers and functions of the Committee on Kontra-Bigay, integrating strict guidelines to curb electoral violations. The resolution seeks to address the long-standing problem of buying and selling votes. Vote-buying, as defined by the resolution, includes the distribution of money, employment offers, or other material incentives in exchange for votes. Vote-selling refers to the act of accepting such offers. Among the newly specified prohibited acts are the possession of large sums of cash near election day, house-to-house distribution of goods, and the holding of events such as talent shows with prize giveaways linked to candidates. The resolution also targets the abuse of state resources (ASR) — the use of public funds, facilities, and government programs for political gain. This includes the unauthorized disbursement of aid programs within 10 days of the election, as well as the use of government vehicles and offices for campaign purposes. To enforce these rules, Comelec has enlisted the support of law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The resolution allows the warrantless arrests of individuals caught engaging in vote-buying or ASR-related activities. Stressing the role of financial institutions in preventing electoral fraud, the poll body has mandated banks and digital payment platforms to report suspicious transactions, particularly those exceeding P500,000 during the election period. Violators face severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to six years, disqualification from holding public office, and fines for political parties found complicit in vote-buying schemes. Comelec has urged the public to report any violations and assured that whistleblowers providing credible testimony will be exempted from prosecution. Complaints may be filed through local Comelec offices, the Prosecutor's Office, or via email. Comelec Chairman George Garcia has reaffirmed the commission's commitment to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has intensified its campaign against vote-buying and the misuse of government resources in the run-up to the May 12 elections.
Through a resolution, Comelec expanded the powers and functions of the Committee on Kontra-Bigay, integrating strict guidelines to curb electoral violations.
The resolution seeks to address the long-standing problem of buying and selling votes.
Vote-buying, as defined by the resolution, includes the distribution of money, employment offers, or other material incentives in exchange for votes. Vote-selling refers to the act of accepting such offers.
Among the newly specified prohibited acts are the possession of large sums of cash near election day, house-to-house distribution of goods, and the holding of events such as talent shows with prize giveaways linked to candidates.
The resolution also targets the abuse of state resources (ASR) — the use of public funds, facilities, and government programs for political gain. This includes the unauthorized disbursement of aid programs within 10 days of the election, as well as the use of government vehicles and offices for campaign purposes.
To enforce these rules, Comelec has enlisted the support of law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The resolution allows the warrantless arrests of individuals caught engaging in vote-buying or ASR-related activities.
Stressing the role of financial institutions in preventing electoral fraud, the poll body has mandated banks and digital payment platforms to report suspicious transactions, particularly those exceeding P500,000 during the election period.
Violators face severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to six years, disqualification from holding public office, and fines for political parties found complicit in vote-buying schemes.
Comelec has urged the public to report any violations and assured that whistleblowers providing credible testimony will be exempted from prosecution.
Complaints may be filed through local Comelec offices, the Prosecutor's Office, or via email.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia has reaffirmed the commission's commitment to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
