Comelec task force investigating 10 alleged vote-buying incidents

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday said it is investigating 10 cases of alleged vote-buying.

The cases are among the "numerous reports and complaints of vote-buying" received by the Comelec via its official email address and Facebook page.

Comelec said its Task Force Kontra Bigay headed by Commissioner Aimee Ferolino will conduct a probe into the alleged vote-buying and vote-selling incidents.

"Pursuant to its moto proprio powers, the COMELEC, through the Task Force Kontra Bigay, has created a team dedicated to investigate possible vote-buying and vote-selling cases committed during the 2022 National and Local Elections and to file the same even without a citizen complaint," the Task Force Kontra Bigay said.

"As of today, We have ten (10) active cases and counting as we are continually receiving numerous reports and complaints of vote-buying in our official email address and Facebook page," it added.

The Comelec said it has one possible case for vote-buying through the cooperation of the commission with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE).

"We are also pleased to announce that with the cooperation of the IBP and LENTE, We have one possible case for vote-buying as the complainant has already executed an affidavit and submitted pieces of evidence," it added.

The Task Force Kontra Bigay advised the public "not only to report incidents of vote-buying or vote-selling, but to come out and to actively participate in the investigation through the execution of an affidavit and submission of evidence."

The task force added that it is only through collaborative efforts of the Comelec, its partner agencies, and the general public that vote-buying and vote-selling cases will proceed and lead to successful prosecution.

Citizens may file complaints of alleged vote-buying and vote-selling with the Office of the Election Officer and the Department of Justice through the National Prosecution Service, the task force  said.

They may also seek assistance from the PNP, IBP, Lente, and Task Force Kontra Bigay in the preparation and filing of complaints, it added.

The task force also warned election candidates against getting involved in vote-buying.

"Please be advised that any candidate who, in an action or protest in which he is a party is declared by final decision of a competent court guilty of, or found by the Commission of having given money or other material consideration to influence, induce or corrupt the voters or public officials performing electoral functions shall be disqualified from continuing as a candidate, or if he has been elected, from holding office, the task force said. —KG, GMA News