A promise may already be considered as vote-buying according to Commission on Elections (Comelec) George Irwin Garcia.
In a press briefing on Thursday, March 17, Garcia said that promising something even without giving anything is already punishable by the law.
"Kahit simpleng promise lang po kahit na wala ka talagang binibigay (A simple promise is despite the absence of providing something) is already vote buying," he stated.
Garcia also explained that when talking about giving things, it refers to objects of value. He mentioned that for example, if he were to give small candy to an individual, it wouldn't be considered as vote buying.
He also added that any substantial consideration whether in cash or in kind is considered to be vote-buying.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez has mentioned before that things of nominal value, very small value, for example, ballpens, notepads, stickers that they can use for their cars etc. these are normally not considered indicators of vote buying
The public was also once again reminded of going through due process in order for the consequences of vote buying to attach. Garcia said that allegations will not stand scrutiny of a curious court.
On the other hand, Garcia declined to comment on the claims of retired army general Antonio Parlade regarding corruption in the Comelec. He ran for President but was excluded in the final list. Garcia said that he was contacted by his team and he advised them on what to do.
Parlade, former spokesman for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) stated that party-list groups would need to produce millions to get a Comelec accreditation. Garcia mentioned that it would be good if he would file a formal complaint and provide evidence on this matter.