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| COMELEC calls on the public to report any potential vote buying related to the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) and assures protection for witnesses. |
PHILIPPINES – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) appeals to the public to join their efforts in combating vote buying, an unlawful practice in Philippine politics, as the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) approach. Vote buying involves candidates offering money or incentives to voters in exchange for their votes.
COMELEC Chairman George Garcia said they need witnesses who can testify in court if there are any complaints regarding vote buying. He assured those willing to expose the vote buyers will not be charged with any offense if they cooperate with the authorities.
Garcia said that they are coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide protection and immunity to the witnesses. He said having witnesses is vital for successfully prosecuting the vote buyers, even if they have other evidence, such as photos, videos, or documents.
COMELEC reiterated its call to the public to report any instances of vote buying by candidates in the upcoming BSKE. They said they are ready to act on any information they receive from concerned citizens. They also reminded the voters to exercise their right to vote wisely and not to sell their votes for any amount of money.