THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) expects vote-buying incidents in the May 12 polls to be most prevalent in the National Capital Region (NCR).
In a televised public briefing, Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. said they see NCR as having the most number of vote-buying incidents, just like in previous electoral exercises.
“Most probably, for 2025, we will still see NCR as having the most reports (of vote buying),” said Maceda, who heads the Comelec-Committee on Kontra Bigay.
He said Metro Manila had the most vote-buying incidents in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in 2023.
“I don’t know if that’s because there are more vote-buying incidents happening here or because the citizens are just more aware of their rights here,” said Maceda.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, vote buying is an act wherein a person gives, offers, or promises money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, in order to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate.
Maceda said the Committee on Kontra Bigay has received 34 complaints – 23 reports on vote-buying and vote-selling, and 11 incidents of abuse of state resources.
“We started getting reports even before the start of the election period,” noted Maceda.
Back in the 2022 National and Local Elections, there were 1,226 reports of vote buying, while the 2023 BSKE polls had 375 complaints received by the Commission.
The Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO) urged Filipinos to be discerning in choosing candidates in the national and local elections in May.
“The AGFO members understand the profound connection between a stable, democratic environment and national security,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug, AGFO president and board chairman.
He said AGFO, an organization of active and retired generals and flag officers of the AFP and PNP, recognizes that the “strength of our democracy is rooted in the integrity of our institutions and the informed participation of every citizen.
“In line with the AFP’s declaration that ‘the strength of our democracy lies in respecting institutions, following due process, ensuring justice through established legal channels, and selecting executive and legislative officials through elections’, we urge the Filipino people to exercise their right to vote with utmost discernment,” said Layug.
He urged voters to be “vigilant, critical, and discerning in their selection of candidates.”
“This entails carefully evaluating candidates’ qualifications, experience, and platforms,” said Layug.
“We encourage every Filipino to scrutinize information, verify its accuracy, and reject any attempt at electoral fraud or manipulation. Upholding the sanctity of the ballot is paramount to ensuring that the elected leaders truly represent the will of the people,” he added.
Layug said AGFO is of the belief that clean and honest elections are “essential for the preservation of our democratic values and the continued stability of our nation.”
“We trust that the Filipino people will exercise their right to vote responsibly and choose leaders who will serve the best interests of the nation. This is our fundamental contribution to our democratic process,” added Layug.
