MANILA, Philippines — Opposition candidates in Romblon have urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate alleged vote buying incidents in the province as the polls approach.
“Reports of vote buying have started in several towns of Romblon as early as the first week of this month,” said board member and former judge Jose Madrid.
Madrid, who is seeking reelection under the Liberal Party, said that incumbent officials reportedly started listing voters who will be given ayuda or cash gifts a day before the elections.
“It’s another style of vote buying because the ayuda is a cash assistance under the government’s social amelioration program and not from the provincial government,” Madrid said during a press conference the other day.
The briefing was attended by congressional candidate and journalist Joey Venancio, former governor Eduardo Firmalo, Vice Gov. Felix Ylagan and other opposition candidates from Romblon’s first and second districts.
Firmalo is running for governor while Ylagan is seeking reelection.
Firmalo said any person caught engaging in vote buying or selling will be imposed appropriate sanctions.