DOJ forms team to probe vote-buying incidents ahead of May polls

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is forming a special team to support the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) inter-agency task force aimed at probing vote-buying incidents leading up to the May 9 elections.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra stated that the DOJ contingent will give "the highest priority" to this campaign.

The DOJ team will comprise members from the National Prosecution Service, National Bureau of Investigation, Public Attorney's Office, and the DOJ Action Center.

The Comelec's task force, expected to act on vote-buying incidents, will include representatives from various law enforcement agencies and departments.

The Comelec has announced the creation of a multi-agency task force that will include the DOJ, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency, NBI, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Guevarra clarified that the DOJ can conduct its own independent investigation into the criminal aspect of vote buying, but they would prefer to wait for the Comelec's directive.

Malacañang has warned the public against vote-buying and selling, classifying them as election offenses with potential penalties including imprisonment, disqualification from public office, and loss of voting rights.