Since there was no more room for cheating in the electoral process with the introduction of the Automated Election System (AES), politicians opted to exploit the human factor or the vulnerability of candidates through vote buying.
This was according to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Acting Spokesperson John Rex C. Laudiangco, who during a press briefing on Monday, April 9 called vote buying as a "bittersweet" experience.
Since 2010, Laudiangco said that this has been the trend that the poll body has observed.
Meanwhile, he also urged voters on election day, May 9, to report vote buying incidents through the poll body's Task Force Kontra Bigay if ever they are afraid to come forward with their complaints.
According to Comelec Acting Spokesperson John Rex C. Laudiangco, complaints may be sent to [email protected] or Konta Bigay Facebook page as well as the Office of the Election Officer, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Assistance Desk.
Based on the Comelec rules of procedure and the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), Laudiangco explained that first, the complaint must be verified through a complainant under oath. Upon filing of the complaint, evidence should also be submitted along with it whether it's a photo, video or a recording as well as the testimonies from witnesses.
He added that if the case reaches the preliminary investigation the probative value of the evidence will then be determined, while the Comelec will then come up with a decision if there is probable cause to file for the election offense of vote buying.
In a statement from Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, she also urged the public to come out and actively participate in the investigation through the execution of an affidavit and submission of evidence.
She said that the successful prosecution of these cases will only be possible with the collaborative efforts not just of the Comelec and its partner agencies, but also with the public's help.