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Philippines

Task force 'Kontra Bigay'to involve several agencies

Philippines

Task force 'Kontra Bigay'to involve several agencies

By Leslie Ann Aquino

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the task force on vote buying that will be created will be an interagency team.

Comelec/MB

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia the task force "Kontra Bigay" will involve several agencies.

He said it will be composed of the Comelec, Department of Justice (DOJ), Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"Because of this broad coordinative efforts, immediate actions moto propio or based on formal complaints involving vote buying is expected," Garcia said in a statement Friday, March 25.

"As we have said before, our commitment in eliminating this irregularity is unparalleled," he added.

Garcia said they hope the task force will be activated by the Comelec en banc and constituted by next week.

Meanwhile, the poll official also gave an assessment of the first day of the start of the campaign period for local candidates.

"Compared to previous elections , the infraction of candidates seem so far manageable and within the expectations that we set. Health protocol and compliance with our campaign guidelines are our continuing plea to them and to their supporters," said Garcia.

Asked if the Comelec intends to file motu proprio charges against campaign violators, he replied:"Yes. The seriousness of our resolve should never be underestimated by everyone."

Related Tags

commissioner george garcia task force kontra bigay vote buying Comelec Commission on Elections

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