Comelec probes senatorial candidate for vote buying

MANILA, Philippines —  A senatorial candidate, along with 36 local candidates, is under investigation for vote buying, the Commission on Elections said.

Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. did not identify the senatorial bet, but said the candidate is among those facing vote-buying complaints before the Committee on Kontra Bigay, which he heads.

Maceda said the Comelec main office has received 63 reports of vote buying and abuse of state resources as of yesterday. Of the number, at least 36 involved vote buying.

“One national candidate is involved, three are party-list and the bulk are local officials,” Maceda said.

He declined to identify the national candidate as the complaint may be elevated before the commission.

According to Maceda, most of the vote-buying complaints involved money.

The rest involved rice, goods and groceries and were tied to government social services programs Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers.

Most reports came from Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they have also monitored cash coupon distribution and other reports of possible vote buying and ASR in various parts of the country.

Garcia noted a candidate in Nueva Ecija was seen among those present in the distribution of government financial assistance, which is prohibited during the election period.

Garcia warned candidates against campaigning during the wee hours.

In preparation for election day, the Comelec established a National Technical Support Center (NTSC) to receive reports and swiftly resolve technical issues.

The Comelec said the NTSC will be the primary contact point for election officers, Department of Education support staff and technicians in reporting concerns about the election process – whether they involve Miru’s Automated Counting Machines, iOne Resources and Ardent Network’s Secure Electronic Transmission Services or the overseas voting system managed by SMS Global Technologies and Sequent Tech.

Meanwhile, President Marcos described as “unacceptable” candidates who make sexist and disrespectful remarks as he welcomed the Comelec’s actions against them. – Alexis Romero, Jose Rodel Clapano