DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – As the 2025 National and Local Elections approach, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Dagupan City is warning voters and aspirants that those caught engaging in vote-buying can be arrested on the spot even without a warrant.
Lawyer Michael Franks Sarmiento, election officer of COMELEC Dagupan City, emphasized that individuals caught engaging in vote buying—whether as a candidate, campaign staff, supporter, or voter—can be arrested without a warrant if law enforcers or private citizens witness the act firsthand.
“If you are caught in vote-buying – whether as a candidate, staff of candidate or supporter, or a voter – you can be arrested without a warrant because law enforcers and even citizens have the authority to conduct warrantless arrest if they witness the act taking place,” Sarmiento said.
He warned that accepting money or favors in exchange for votes is not only illegal but also harms the future of local governance and democracy.
Beyond legal repercussions, Sarmiento stressed that accepting bribes could result in criminal conviction, disqualification from holding public office if elected, and prohibition from participating in future elections.
Likewise, Sarmiento encouraged voters to reflect on the long-term impact of their choices in the upcoming May 2025 elections and to exercise their right to vote responsibly and wisely.
“The right to vote is invaluable – it cannot be equated by any amount of money or favor so let us decide not based on material incentives but on our conscience. Choose a leader that will truly serve the people for the next three to six years,” Sarmiento said.
In line with its efforts to ensure clean, honest, and peaceful elections, COMELEC in partnership with Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) conducted a simultaneous signing of peace covenant and solidarity pact, unity walk, Mass for peace, and an interfaith prayer rally.
Sarmiento also called on all candidates for local and national positions to abide by electoral laws and conduct their campaigns with honesty and integrity.
“To our aspirants, dwell on your strength to your advocacy platforms or programs rather than engaging in mudslinging and negative campaigning,” he said. (CMT/EMSA, PIA-Pangasinan)
