Comelec, PNP told to act vs alleged 'massive, coordinated' vote-buying in Pangasinan

Pangasinan (Instagram)

Pangasinan 6th district Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas has sought the help of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Philippine National Police (PNP) regarding what she described as "massive, coordinated vote-buying operations" in the towns of Rosales, Balungao, and Asingan.

Agabas wrote separate letters of complaint to Comelec Chairman George Garcia and PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil regarding her allegation.

In her letters dated April 29, 2025, the lady solon cited reports that political leaders associated with Mr. Gilbert Estrella are distributing P3,000 per voter.

“This vote-buying operation has become an open secret in our district. Such brazen and organized efforts to buy votes seriously undermine the credibility of our elections and violate the people’s right to freely choose their leaders,” she said.

Agabas pointed out that despite the widespread knowledge of these illegal activities, the police and the Comelec have yet to take any action. “I urge immediate countermeasures to put a stop to this blatant assault on the people’s will."

According to her, many residents are aware of what is happening but are afraid to file complaints out of fear of retaliation.

Agabas called on the Comelec and the PNP to ensure protection for potential witnesses and to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation.

“I strongly urge the Comelec and the PNP to take swift, decisive action—investigate these incidents, identify those responsible, and file the appropriate criminal charges. We must not allow the sacred right of our people to freely choose their leaders to be stolen," she added.

Agabas also urged  Garcia and Marbil to file criminal charges against individuals who own or allow the use of their homes and facilities as venues for vote-buying.

Pangasinan has 2.1 million registered voters for the upcoming May 12 polls.