MANILA – Ahead of the campaign period for the May 12 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) called on voters to refrain from selling their votes and supporting candidates who engage in such practices.
At the launch of the “Kontra Bigay” (anti-bribery) task force on Friday, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized that voters have the power to put an end to vote buying and selling.
“All efforts will be in vain if people continue selling votes and supporting those who buy them. Do not accept money and do not vote for these candidates,” Garcia said. “Vote buyers can’t succeed if you reject the money. Have the courage to say no to vote buying.”
Garcia urged voters to treat any vote buying offer as an insult. “Don’t let anyone exploit our poverty. It is disgraceful that people take advantage of our hunger and hardship,” he added.
Vote buying is defined under the Omnibus Election Code as offering money or anything of value to influence someone’s vote, while vote selling is soliciting or accepting money or goods in exchange for voting.
The 90-day campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list representatives will begin on February 11.
elami/mnm