Western Visayas enforces three-day 'money ban' before midterm elections

Starting Saturday, May 10, heightened checkpoints in Western Visayas will enforce a three-day 'money ban' ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

Commission on Elections Regional Election Director Lawyer Dennis Ausan stated that possessing more than PHP500,000 along with campaign materials is prohibited and could be considered vote buying, even without proof of actual distribution.

Exemptions to the ban include individuals whose job requires handling large sums of money, provided they show proof of their employment.

Philippine National Police personnel will conduct checkpoints based on established protocols, with officers trained to spot suspicious behavior but limited to visual checks only.

Ausan warned candidates and political parties that possessing a significant amount of money during the ban could lead to legal action, as over 33,500 Comelec checkpoints have been conducted in the region since January.

The two-day liquor ban begins Sunday, May 11, while police continue to enforce strict measures to ensure fair elections on May 12.