MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has on Monday (03 Feb 2025) authorized warrantless arrests for individuals involved in vote-buying, vote-selling, and the abuse of state resources (ASR) during elections.
According to Comelec Resolution 11104, issued on January 28, law enforcement officers can arrest anyone caught in the act of committing these offenses, including vote-buying, vote-selling, or ASR. The arrested individual must be promptly delivered to the nearest police station or jail for processing.
Items used in these illegal activities—such as money, sample ballots, or other campaign materials—will be seized by the apprehending officers. A proper inventory of the confiscated items must be conducted, documented, and photographed in the presence of the arrested person and witnesses.
Vote-buying is defined as offering or giving money or anything of value to influence someone’s vote. Vote-selling occurs when a person receives payment to vote a certain way. ASR involves the misuse of government resources for electoral gain.
The new resolution aims to strengthen enforcement of election laws and ensure fair elections by holding offenders accountable.
ia/mnm