The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has urged individuals who have witnessed vote-buying activities to come forward and file a complaint against candidates engaging in vote-buying.
During an interview with ANC, Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez noted that it must be proved that the money being handed out to people is to purchase their vote.
“One of the things that we also have been saying is that if anyone has personal knowledge of these events, they should come forward and file a complaint,” said Jimenez.
He added: “We can say that it is obvious but we have to prove it. Kung mag-i-impose ka ng (If one will impose a) penalty you have to be able to show that there was a criminal element present talaga. Hindi ka puwedeng (We cannot jump) mag-jump into conclusions.”
As to the alleged inaction of Comelec to viral videos of people handing money at sorties, Jimenez said they have already tapped local authorities to probe such incidents.
“We have already referred the matter to local officials for investigation to find out kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari, ano ‘yung karakter ng pagbibigay ng pera. Again, nakita natin that money was being given out but we have to know what for,” he said.
Vote-buying is defined as any person, who 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.
It is an election offense, which carries the penalty of one to six years of imprisonment, removal of the right to vote, and disqualification to hold public office.
Due to recent videos of alleged vote-buying activities at sorties, the poll body recently formed a task force against vote-buying.