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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Comelec to form Task Force on vote buying

Comelec to form Task Force on vote buying

Published Mar 22, 2022 02:00 pm

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be forming a task force that will handle reports on vote buying.

Comelec/MB

"The Commission will create a task force for all these reports, complaints, and whatever," Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said in a press briefing in Manila on Tuesday, March 22.

He said the task force will be composed of the Comelec Gun Ban Committee, the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of Justice.

Garcia said the poll body won't hesitate in filing charges against those who will be involved in such activity.

"We are so serious for this election. In order to equalize everything we will punish those who will be violating the Omnibus Election Code," said Garcia.

"Regardless of the personalities involved, so long as we have sufficient evidence, substantial in character, we will push with the prosecution of offenders of those who will be guilty of vote buying," he added.

Garcia urged the public to help in the fight by filing a formal complaint.

"Aside from our directive to our local offices to submit reports involving vote buying, I hope there will be those who will file a complaint," he said.

Vote-buying is defined as any person, who 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.

It is considered an election offense, which carries the penalty of one to six years imprisonment, removal of right to vote, and disqualification to hold public office.

Meanwhile, Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said reports of cash being given away during a campaign are referred to their local officials.

"When there are reports like that, we refer it to ...local Comelec officials for investigation and if necessary referral to the law department for filing of a case," he said during the Laging Handa public briefing.

"What is clear to us, is that giving free money for the purpose of soliciting votes, that is vote buying. But this has to be proven," added Jimenez.

Related Tags

commissioner george garcia vote buying Comelec Commission on Elections
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