Comelec chair urges public to reject vote buying

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia urged citizens not to accept money for votes and not to vote for candidates involved in vote buying, stating that voters themselves can stop the practice.

He emphasized that voters should see offers of money as an insult and not allow anyone to take advantage of their poverty or hunger, particularly targeting poor young voters and first-time voters.

The Comelec launched its Committee on Kontra Bigay (CKB) on Friday, a permanent and fortified version of the task force that operated during the 2022 elections, to strengthen its crackdown on vote-buying and vote-selling ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

As a committee, Kontra Bigay will permanently monitor filed cases, handle prosecutions, and facilitate disqualifications.

Under the expanded Kontra Bigay, law enforcers like the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) can conduct surveillance and validate information, reports, or complaints related to vote-buying, vote-selling, or acts of abuse of state resources.

Comelec identified presumed acts of vote-buying and vote-selling, including the possession or distribution of money, goods, and campaign materials to influence voters.

Garcia stated that there is nothing a vote buyer can do if no one takes the money offered, as it takes two to tango.

He urged the public, including the media, to report any untoward incidents or irregularities so that the Commission can immediately act on it.

Both vote sellers and buyers face potential penalties of 1 to 6 years imprisonment and disqualification for candidates.