Woman arrested with PHP1.65 million in cash suspected of vote-buying

A woman was arrested in Nueva Ecija on Saturday over PHP1.65 million in cash found inside her vehicle, raising suspicion of vote-buying two days before the May 12 polls.

At a Commission on Elections checkpoint, police officers noticed bundles of cash in an opened bag while speaking with the driver identified as 'Reg'.

The woman admitted to possessing PHP1.65 million but could not provide documentation justifying its possession, leading to her arrest for investigation and possible filing of charges under Section 28 of Comelec Resolution No. 11104.

Police Regional Office-Central Luzon Director Brig. General Jean Fajardo emphasized the significance of strict law enforcement during the elections to safeguard their credibility.

She reminded the public that possessing, transporting or carrying over PHP500,000 in cash is prohibited and can be presumed as an attempt of vote-buying under Section 28 of Comelec Resolution No. 11104.

Fajardo also inspected the Media Action Center and the Regional Election Monitoring Action Center on Saturday, ensuring full preparedness for real-time information dissemination and coordination across Central Luzon.