There are now 158 complaints filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) involving alleged vote buying, vote selling, and abuse of state resources committed by electoral candidates, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
During a media forum at the DILG Central Office on Friday, DILG Assistant Secretary Atty. Jesi Lanete reported that of the 158 complaints, 16 involve the distribution of financial assistance or “ayuda” and other similar forms of aid to the public, prohibited under Section 33 of Comelec Resolution 11104. The distribution of “ayuda” by any candidate, their relatives within the second civil degree, or their known supporters or employees during the election period is presumed to be an act of vote buying.
Earlier, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla expressed support for the Comelec’s “Kontra Bigay” campaign, emphasizing that it should be paired with a strong “Kontra Tanggap” effort to address both sides of electoral misconduct. Regions with the most complaints are Region IV-A with 31, Region III with 30, and the National Capital Region with 24.
Following these reports, the DILG said the Comelec issued show cause orders to 29 local candidates to allow them to respond to the complaints filed against them. Lanete reminded all election candidates to refrain from engaging in vote buying, vote selling, and any form of abuse of government resources, warning that such acts could serve as grounds for disqualification.
“Ipapaalala lang po natin sa ating mga kandidato to strictly comply with the Comelec provisions against vote buying. And sa ating mga incumbent candidates, to prevent yung abuse of state resources,” Lanete said.
He also reminded the public that even voters could face criminal charges under the Omnibus Election Code if they accept money or favors in exchange for their votes.
