Poll watchdog urges Comelec to prosecute politicians for vote-buying

Kontra Daya, a poll watchdog, challenged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to prosecute politicians involved in vote-buying, not just their supporters.

Professor Danilo Arao, Kontra Daya convenor, stated that Comelec should proactively investigate vote-buying incidents, even without formal complaints.

Arao emphasized the need for a "test case" where politicians caught engaging in vote-buying are arrested and prosecuted to deter the practice.

He noted that while arrests have occurred in the past, they typically involved candidates' supporters rather than the politicians themselves.

Kontra Daya hopes Comelec will apprehend and prosecute "big fish" candidates, citing media reports that have already pointed to governors and local officials involved in vote-buying.

Arao believes sufficient evidence exists to charge certain candidates, urging Comelec to fulfill its duty.