Comelec Launches Strengthened Committee to Combat Vote-Buying and Misuse of Government Resources
In a significant move to ensure fair and transparent elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has enforced stricter measures against vote-buying and the misuse of government resources ahead of the May 12 elections.
Through a recent resolution, Comelec expanded the powers and functions of the Committee on Kontra-Bigay, integrating strict guidelines to curb electoral violations. The resolution aims to address the long-standing problem of buying and selling votes.
Committee on Kontra-Bigay Launch
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia led the signing of a ceremonial memorandum of agreement and the launch of the Committee on Kontra Bigay at their office in Intramuros, Manila, on Feb. 7, 2025. The initiative was joined by several key government agencies, including the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Commission on Audit, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Anti-Money Laundering Council, and digital payment platforms GCash and PayMaya.
Vote-Buying and Vote-Selling Defined
Vote-buying, as defined by the resolution, involves the distribution of money, employment offers, or other material incentives in exchange for votes. Conversely, vote-selling refers to the act of accepting such offers. Both practices are considered electoral offenses and are strictly prohibited.
New Prohibited Acts
Among the newly specified prohibited acts are the possession of large sums of cash near election day, house-to-house distribution of goods, and the holding of events such as talent shows with prize giveaways linked to candidates. These measures aim to reduce the influence of external incentives on voters.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia leads the signing of the ceremonial memorandum of agreement and the launch of the Committee on Kontra Bigay at their office in Intramuros, Manila, on Feb. 7, 2025. Joining the Comelec were the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Commission on Audit. the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and two large e-wallets, GCash and PayMaya. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia leads the signing of the ceremonial memorandum of agreement and the launch of the Committee on Kontra Bigay at their office in Intramuros, Manila, on Feb. 7, 2025. Joining the Comelec were the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Commission on Audit. the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and two large e-wallets, GCash and PayMaya. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
