Comelec calls out bookstore over money envelopes under 'election materials'

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has called the attention of a bookstore after money envelopes, often associated with cash distribution, were put under the “election materials essentials” of one of its branches. 

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia wrote to the management of the National Bookstore requesting a “corrective action” on its marketing strategy as he expressed worry it may “normalize vote buying and/or the rampant distribution of money during elections”. 

“Although we are aware that such envelopes may be used for other legitimate purposes during elections such as payments for watchers and suppliers, we are constrained to humbly appeal for your kind indulgence for corrective action as we fear that said marketing strategy may normalize vote buying and/or the rampant distribution of money during elections,” the poll chief said. 

“We do not wish to interfere on how NBS conducts its business, but we also worry that impressionable children and minors who frequent your stores may be led to believe that the illegal practice of vote buying is societally condoned,” he added.

Garcia further said: “Our humble request finds premise in good governance which always requires the invaluable contribution of private and business institutions”.

In response, the National Bookstore said they have complied with the poll body’s request and clarified there was no malice or ill-intention on the in-store signage. 

“While we understand and appreciate your point that small money/coin envelopes might be used in illegal activities such as vote-buying during election season, we assure your good office that there was no malice nor any ill-intention on our part to attribute the marketing and use of the said envelopes to vote-buying,” said National Bookstore president Adrian Ramos in a letter sent to the Comelec.

“Nevertheless, please note that the pull-out of these money envelopes in relation to ‘election materials essentials’ has been coordinated and cascaded in all our National Book Store branches nationwide, in deference to your request,” he added. 

Vote-buying and vote-selling are considered as election offenses under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code.

READ: Spotting vote-buying and vote-selling in digital platforms

The Comelec earlier said it will impose stricter measures to curb vote-buying, vote-selling and prevent the abuse of state resources for Eleksyon 2025 by implementing stronger mechanisms.

—AOL, GMA Integrated News

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