Pangasinan solon wants vote-buying probe in 3 towns

Pangasinan Representative Marlyn Primicias-Agabas urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate alleged massive and coordinated vote-buying incidents in Rosales, Balungao, and Asingan.

The congresswoman cited reports that political leaders associated with Gilbert Estrella are distributing P3,000 per voter.

Primicias-Agabas stated that this vote-buying operation has become an open secret and a brazen, organized effort that undermines election credibility.

She noted that many residents are aware of these illegal activities but are afraid to file complaints out of fear of retaliation.

The Comelec confirmed receiving the letter and has forwarded the complaint to its Committee on Kontra Bigay for action.

As of April 28, the Comelec had already issued 213 show-cause orders to candidates nationwide, with 130 of these related to vote-buying and vote-selling allegations.

Pangasinan lawmaker aspirant Gilbert Estrella has denied the vote-buying allegations and stated his office is open to any investigation.