CKB overwhelmed by over 271 vote-buying, ASR complaints

CKB Commissioner-in-charge Ernesto Maceda Jr. admitted during a press conference that the committee is overwhelmed by over 271 complaints of vote-buying and abuse of state resources (ASR) with just days left before Eleksyon 2025.

So far, 169 cases are related to vote-buying and vote-selling incidents while 80 are tied to alleged ASR violations.

Most complaints include the distribution of cash, goods, or anything with value, as well as ASR cases involving the use of posters in state-owned facilities and vehicles.

The regions experiencing the highest number of reported vote-buying incidents are Calabarzon, Central Luzon, National Capital Region, Mimaropa, and Bicol Region.

Maceda emphasized that candidates facing pending complaints may not be proclaimed winners until investigations are concluded, stressing the importance of leveling the playing field for all candidates in the midterm polls by addressing issues like vote buying which can distort election outcomes.

CKB head Atty. Teopisto Elnas Jr. stated that the committee will file petitions this week for disqualification and election offense charges against two unnamed candidates.