Comelec to form task force vs. vote-buying, urges accusers to file complaint

Newly appointed Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner George Garcia on Wednesday said the poll body is set to create a task force to probe reports on vote-buying incidents ahead of May elections.

During an ANC interview, Garcia said they have tasked their field personnel to make “immediate” investigations and reports regarding vote-buying complaints in several areas.

“Even without this task force to be created by the Commission on Elections, definitely to be created today in our en banc deliberation, even without [this], the Comelec had already instructed our field personnel in [areas],” he said.

Garcia said the poll body could not file formal cases based on news reports or those posted on social media. He said cases should be based on concrete evidence presented to them.

He also pointed out that vote-buying and selling are criminal acts punishable under the law, thus those alleging vote buying should file their complaints before the Comelec itself.

“We are still hoping and praying and pleading to those who would like to file cases before the Comelec to please file the necessary complaint so that at least we can study the evidence presented. We can require the respondent to answer the allegations thrown against them,” Garcia said.

“If indeed these were committed, these are criminal acts and these are punishable under 261-A of the Omnibus Election Code. Vote-buying is a criminal act. Vote selling is a criminal act. Even if the election had already been concluded, the Comelec should still proceed with these cases,” he added.

Loopholes

In a separate interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Garcia said the Omnibus Election Code should already be amended  as there are already new ways to conduct vote-buying, even online.

"Napakaraming din kasing loopholes ng ating batas. Kung may isang bagay tayo na dapat gawin after these elections, baguhin na po natin ang Omnibus Election Code natin. 1985 po 'yun. I-revise, baguhin na natin talaga," he said.

(Our laws have many loopholes. If there is one thing we should do after these elections, it's to revise the Omnibus Election Code because that's already dated. We need to revise and change it.)

The campaign period for 2022 elections candidates running for national positions officially started on February 8. Meanwhile, campaign period for candidates in local elective posts will be from March 25 to May 7. —KBK, GMA News