Comelec allows warrantless arrests for vote-buying

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has authorized warrantless arrests for offenses related to vote-buying, vote-selling, and abuse of state resources during elections.

This provision, outlined in Comelec Resolution 11104 promulgated on January 28, allows any law enforcement officer to apprehend individuals caught in the act of committing or attempting to commit these election offenses without a warrant.

Individuals arrested without a warrant are to be immediately brought to the nearest police station or jail for processing.

Evidence such as money, goods of value, sample ballots, and campaign materials involved in the offense will be confiscated and inventoried.

The inventory, photographing, and marking of seized items must be done in the presence of the arrested person and any available witnesses.