The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed its full support to the enactment into law of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2664 that aims to curb electronic or cyber vote-buying and vote-selling.

SB 2664, filed by Sen. Grace Poe, aims to strengthen Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code by explicitly defining cyber vote-buying and vote-selling.

The proposed law would cover transactions conducted through electronic means, including websites, software, online banking, and money remittance applications.

The bill proposes imprisonment of six to 10 years to violators without probation.

In a statement, the CHR said the proposed law would "reinforce the integrity of every Filipino’s right to vote, and is a significant step toward ensuring a cleaner, more transparent, and more credible electoral process -- even in the digital sphere."

"The bill is also consistent with Article XXI, Section 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which upholds every citizen’s right to universal and equal suffrage," it said.

The CHR lamented that vote-buying and vote-selling have long undermined the country's democratic process. In order to combat this years-long practice, the CHR said it is important to take action against it now and protect the sanctity of the ballot.

SB No. 2664 is a means to put vote-buying and vote-selling to an end in the modern age, and the CHR commended Senator Poe for championing the legislation that would ensure that electoral choices are made free from monetary influence.

"As elections approach, we call on all Filipinos to remain vigilant, vote wisely, and uphold the values of integrity and accountability," the CHR said.