With the Philippines bracing for the May 12 elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is escalating its battle against vote-buying, authorizing warrantless arrests to combat the pervasive electoral malpractice that threatens the integrity of the democratic process.
This aggressive stance comes amid alarming public skepticism, as an OCTA Research survey reveals that 66 percent of registered Filipino voters anticipate widespread vote-buying, a practice defined under the Omnibus Election Code as offering money or anything of value to influence voters.
The OCTA Research Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey, conducted from Feb. 22 to 28, 2025, underscores a national sentiment of distrust, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), where 69 out of every 100 voters fear electoral manipulation.
Vote-buying has long plagued Philippine elections, with 1,226 complaints filed during the 2022 national elections and 375 during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls. Ahead of the 2025 polls, 34 reports of irregularities and related offenses have already surfaced, including 23 cases of vote-buying and 11 instances of state resource misuse.
Marian, a voter from Mandaluyong, attributes the problem to voters’ financial vulnerability, stating that “Filipinos cling to whoever offers a temporary solution to their problems.” She believes politicians exploit impoverished communities, targeting undecided voters.
Clarisse from Caloocan, while not personally witnessing vote buying, acknowledges its deep entrenchment in society, suggesting a resigned acceptance among many Filipinos.
In response, COMELEC launched “Kontra Bigay 2.0,” a permanent committee aimed at intensifying the crackdown on vote buying and vote selling. The commission also released guidelines against abuse of state resources (ASR) in the May 12, 2025 elections.
COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia announced the permanent status of the Kontra Bigay task force, which operated during the 2022 elections. “This means we will monitor filed cases, handle prosecutions, and facilitate disqualifications,” Garcia said, emphasizing a commitment to electoral integrity.
The initiative empowers law enforcement agencies—including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)—to conduct surveillance and validate reports.
COMELEC has defined specific actions constituting vote buying and vote selling, including the possession or distribution of money or goods to influence voters, and the unauthorized transport of over P500,000 along with campaign materials within two days before and on election day.
Garcia stressed the urgency of these measures, stating that individuals caught in the act can be arrested without a warrant. “Here, vote buying is presumed. It’s up to the offender to defend themselves,” he said, shifting the burden of proof.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, those found guilty face imprisonment from one to six years. Complaints can be filed at COMELEC’s main office or local Kontra Bigay centers.
Kontra Bigay 2.0 also addresses ASR, with COMELEC banning the distribution of government assistance (“ayuda”) ten days before and on election day, affecting programs like TUPAD, AKAP, AICS, and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), excluding medical and burial assistance.
COMELEC Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand P. Maceda Jr. noted that 10% of vote-buying cases in the 2023 barangay elections involved “ayuda,” often leading to voter gratitude. He reminded voters that they are entitled to such assistance and should feel no obligation.
“A problem of serious vote buying requires a serious solution,” Maceda said.
As the 2025 elections approach, Kontra Bigay 2.0 signifies a strong commitment to safeguarding electoral integrity. (JLN/PIA-NCR)
Reference: https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Pages/Primer-Committee-on-Kontra-Bigay-2.0(English).pdf
