Comelec expects surge in vote buying complaints before elections

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) anticipates an increase in reports of vote buying and abuse of state resources as the May 12 midterm elections approach.

Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr., chair of Comelec's Committee on Kontra Bigay, said they expect to be 'flooded' with complaints during the final week of the campaign period.

As of April 30, Comelec had received 309 complaints, with Calabarzon and Central Luzon having the most reports; the committee has issued show cause orders against 213 candidates for alleged violations.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said they are collating names of candidates with pending disqualification cases and analyzing evidence to study the possibility of suspending their proclamation if they win on May 12.

The public is urged to report such acts via email or through Comelec's Facebook page to help maintain election integrity.