Comelec Urges Voters to Reject Vote Buying as an Insult Ahead of Elections

As the campaign period for the upcoming May 12 elections approaches, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has made a strong appeal to the public. In a recent event in Manila, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized the importance of rejecting vote buying and vote selling, urging voters to take a stand against these corrupt practices. Garcia highlighted that the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts hinges on the voters’ refusal to engage in such transactions. He passionately stated that accepting money for votes is not only illegal but should be seen as an affront to one’s dignity. Garcia pointed out the exploitation of poverty by those who attempt to buy votes, calling it a shameful act. The launch of the ‘Kontra Bigay’ task force, aimed at combating vote buying and selling, saw participation from various sectors including law enforcement, government agencies, and digital payment platforms like GCash and Maya. The task force’s formation underscores a collective effort to ensure clean elections. The Omnibus Election Code clearly defines vote buying and selling as criminal acts, involving the exchange of money or valuables for votes. With the campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates set to start on February 11, Comelec’s message is clear: reject vote buying and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.