Comelec forms inter-agency task force to fight vote-buying

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is forming an inter-agency task force called "Kontra Bigay" to combat vote-buying.

This task force will include the Department of Justice, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia stated that the task force will take immediate action on vote-buying complaints, either on their own initiative or based on formal complaints.

While they have yet to receive specific complaints, the Comelec encourages the public to file them with evidence at the Comelec's Law Department, local Comelec offices, or any agency part of the task force.

Vote-buying remains a criminal offense punishable by one to six years imprisonment.

The Comelec is committed to prosecuting offenders to ensure a fair electoral process.