Comelec warns vs vote buying in BSKE

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned candidates against buying votes in all forms as this year’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) approach.

“We are cautioning everyone that anything of value, may it be an object, service or assistance during a partisan political activity, in which they expect something in return, may be considered vote buying,” Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said in Filipino in an interview Wednesday night with “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News.

Laudiangco admitted that elected officials cannot be prevented from endorsing and expressing support for a barangay and SK candidate.

But he said, “Make sure that no public funds will be used once you support a candidate.”

Laudiangco also reminded candidates that premature campaigning before Oct. 30 is prohibited, and their spending limit is P5 per registered voter.

Winning candidates cannot assume the post until they have submitted their Statement of Contribution and Expenditures.

Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) policy specialist Helen Maureen Graido encouraged voters to document and report the illegal use of funds by barangay and SK candidates.

LENTE launched an anti-epal watch in a bid to stop such violations, referring to brazen disregard of election rules and guidelines.