CWS party-list faces disqualification for alleged vote-buying

The Construction Workers Solidarity (CWS) party-list group faces a disqualification case from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for alleged vote-buying.

The petition was filed by Mataasnakahoy Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan, who is also a candidate for Batangas governor.

Ilagan claims that CWS, represented by its first nominee Rep. Edwin Gadiola, engaged in vote-buying by organizing a 'Last to Take Hands Off Challenge' with brand-new cars as prizes during the Barakofest 2025 event in Lipa, Batangas.

The giveaway is alleged to have violated election laws that prohibit vote-buying and Comelec resolutions against material inducements to influence voters.

The petition specifically points out that the event and prize distribution occurred within the 90-day campaign period.

Ilagan is urging Comelec to investigate the incident, hold CWS liable both criminally and administratively, and disqualify the party-list group.

The petitioner also called for Comelec to implement stricter measures to prevent future occurrences of vote-buying by political parties and candidates.