LEGAZPI CITY – The Bicol region’s Police Regional Office (PRO-5) has pledged a robust enforcement of its anti-vote buying initiative, ‘Kontra Bigay’, ahead of the national and local elections scheduled for May 12. Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, the director of PRO-5, emphasized their dedication to eradicating vote-buying and vote-selling, which includes the distribution of money, goods, or campaign materials aimed at swaying voter choices. Dizon warned that any individuals found engaging in these illegal activities could face immediate arrest, even without a warrant. The goal, according to Dizon, is to ensure that the 2025 election outcomes genuinely represent the will of the people. He urged all residents of Bicol to stay alert and work with law enforcement to secure a fair and transparent election process. Dizon stressed the sanctity of each vote in the democratic process, underscoring that selling or buying votes undermines the integrity of elections and the future prosperity of the community. Under Article 12 of the Omnibus Election Code, those convicted of vote-buying or vote-selling could be sentenced to one to six years in prison.
