Comelec receives 63 reports of vote-buying, ASR for 2025 polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has received 63 reports of vote-buying and abuse of state resources (ASR) targeting candidates for the 2025 elections.

These reports include allegations of vote-buying and the misuse of government aid, with 36 vote-buying cases and 32 ASR cases logged as of April 10.

The majority of complaints originated from the National Capital Region, Region III, and Region IV-A.

Commonly reported vote-buying tactics involve the distribution of money, rice, goods, and groceries.

Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. highlighted the abuse of social assistance programs and the use of government facilities and employees for voter coercion.

The Comelec urges the public to continue reporting vote-buying, vote-selling, and indecent remarks made by candidates on social media.

The poll body has also issued seven show-cause orders against local candidates for remarks made on social media, including two against Pasig City representative bet Ian Sia.