THE May midterm 2025 polls may see the return of the traditional way of vote buying, or the cash for votes scheme, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said over the weekend.
Comelec chairman George Garcia said that with the exposure of vote buying through the use of electronic wallets (e-wallets), the number of political parties and candidates that will buy votes using the digital scheme will be drastically reduced.
“The votes will be bought now not through e-wallets anymore since this has already been exposed. They will likely go back to the traditional way, where cash will be distributed,” Garcia said.
He also noted that e-wallet platforms have adopted measures to police their ranks against vote buying activities.
“We are confident that such activities will not escape e-wallet platforms since no less than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has told them not to allow vote buying,” he said.
With the likely return of the traditional scheme, Garcia appealed to the BSP to be vigilant over banking transactions involving the exchange of money to small denominations.
“We call on the BSP to look into or even prohibit the massive activities of money changing, such as those P10 million or P20 million being changed into P100 or P200 bills,” said Garcia, pointing out that many candidates and political parties will opt for smaller denominations for their vote buying activities.
“For many, they use P100 or P200 bills since they will appear more and thicker. This will require them to change their money denominations. Hopefully, we can stop that,” he said.
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, to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate.
In recent elections, the Comelec has been closely monitoring e-wallet platforms, believing vote buying activities are coursed through such schemes.
Also, Garcia yesterday said the poll body has rejected the request for exemption from the spending ban made by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Food Authority (NFA) for the selling of discounted rice to local government units (LGUs).
In a memorandum released by Garcia, the Comelec law department said it cannot approve the exemption sought by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel for the subsidized sale of NFA rice stocks to LGUs amid the food security emergency during the period of March 28 to May 11.
“Being absolutely prohibited from 28 March 2025 to 11 May 2025, no exemption may be given by the Commission to any request covering the issuance, use, or availment of treasury warrants or any device undertaking future delivery of money, goods, or other things of value chargeable against public funds,” the memorandum quoted Comelec law department Director Sittie Tawagon as saying.
Tawagon cited Section 261 (w) of Comelec Resolution No. 11060, which bans the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for social welfare and services projects, except as authorized by the Comelec, from March 28 to May 11.
The law department said the purchase of rice by LGUs is covered by the prohibition as “public funds will be released, disbursed, or expended during the covered period, and the rice purchased will be distributed as aid to the members of vulnerable sectors in a locality or even sold to the community at large at a subsidized rate.”
In a phone interview, Garcia said LGUs can apply for exemptions from the prohibition.
“The LGUs will need to seek exemption themselves. We can grant them exemptions depending on the reasons cited,” he said.
The DA has sought clarification from the Comelec on whether the sale of NFA rice stocks to LGUs at P33 per kilo and the subsequent reselling by local governments to constituents at P35 per kilo is covered by the spending ban or not.
Meanwhile, the PNP said it has recorded 11 validated election-related incidents (ERIs) since the start of the election period last January 12.
In a radio interview, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said nine of the validated ERIs are considered “violent” incidents, including shooting and stabbing incidents.
The two others, she said, are considered “non-violent” as these are cases of malicious mischief and grave threats.
Fajardo said there two suspected ERIs which still being subjected to a validation process to determine if they are election-related or not.
Fajardo said 11 incidents earlier classified as suspected ERIs have been determined to be non-election related.
As to the implementation of the election gun ban, Fajardo said 1,563 firearms have been seized throughout the country as of March 7.
On the other hand, the PNP said the number of apprehended violators was placed at 1,499 as of March 6,
In another development, the Diocese of Malolos has issued guidelines for all parishes and pastoral councils and organizations under it to remain apolitical during the May 12 polls.
In its memorandum, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) – Malolos stressed its “commitment to political neutrality.”
The PPCRV – Malolos banned all members of the parish pastoral council and church organizations from endorsing any political candidates or political parties, and discouraged them from accepting gifts or favors from public officials or individuals running for office.
It likewise said all Church gatherings should not be used for campaigning, while all church facilities cannot be used in any manner that implies endorsement or association with any political candidates or parties.
The installation of any political advertisement favoring a certain candidate in any Church property or chapels is also prohibited.
It also urged members to be mindful when using the parish’s social media platforms and ensure that these are not used to associate the parish with any political candidate or party.
The PPCRV said members of the parish pastoral council and church organizations who are running for political office and have initiated their campaign shall be considered to have resigned from their respective posts.
Those who shall not succeed in the election, meanwhile, may resume their service in the church, but subject to the approval of the parish priest.
On the other hand, those who are elected and wish to continue serving in the parish may do so but only as ordinary members, and not as officers, and also subject to the approval of the parish priest.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday welcomed the Comelec’s decision to defer the start of the pre-enrollment period for the Online Voting and Counting System from March 10 to March 20, saying this will safeguard the integrity of overseas voting. – With Victor Reyes and Ashzel Hachero
“The Departments hopes the Comelec’s decision for postponement shall enable it to ensure that the Online Voting and Counting System or OVCS passes alltesting and certification required by Republic Act 9369, or the Election Automation Law of 2027, prior to its launch,” the DFA said in a brief statement.
It said the department is ready to implement the OVCS for the conduct of the overseas voting period from April 13 to May 12, 2025.
Seventy seven out of 93 Philippine posts abroad will adopt the OVCS, which will be introduced in this year’s midterm elections.
Meanwhile, 16 Philippine embassies and consulates will utilize the Automated Counting Machines. – With Victor Reyes and Ashzel Hachero
