Vico: Vote buying tied to plunder, poverty

MANILA, Philippines — For Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, the problem of vote buying can only be stopped if people learn how it has become a part of an endless cycle of plunder and poverty.

Sotto made the statement in reaction to a news report that the Commission on Elections has designated Commissioner Aimee Ferolino as head of the Comelec’s newly created task force against vote buying.

“Matitigil lang ang pamimili ng boto kung naiintindihan ng bawat isa sa atin kung paano ito nagiging bahagi ng paulit-ulit na siklo ng pandarambong at kahirapan,” he said in a post on Twitter.

Sotto, who is running for reelection in May against Vice Mayor Iyo Bernardo, is known for his firm stance against corruption.