DQ filed vs 2 Cavite execs for ‘vote buying’

MANILA, Philippines — Separate disqualification cases have been filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against Cavite Vice Gov. Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III and Rosario town Mayor Jose Voltaire Ricafrente Jr. for alleged vote buying.

Revilla is running for Congress for the first district of Cavite while Ricafrente is seeking reelection.

Complainants Helen Alejo, Luningning Perlas, Mary Ann Pigate, Manilyn Tantay and Carmen Valderama, all residents of Rosario town, said Revilla and Ricafrente violated the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), which prohibits vote buying.

Emilio Marañon III, counsel for the complainants, said Revilla and Ricafrente’s campaign staff and barangay leaders allied with the officials went house-to-house in Rosario and promised residents of financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Marañon said Revilla and Ricafrente’s aides allegedly told residents that they could claim the cash assistance if they would support the candidacy of the officials.

The voters were reportedly made to sign a DSWD registration form attached with a slip of paper bearing the officials’ names and campaign logos.

Residents were required to write on the paper the names of the members of their households including their contact information and precinct numbers.

They were also required to disclose their G-Cash account, through which the money would allegedly be sent.

The DSWD financial assistance will be reportedly released only upon approval by Revilla and Ricafrente.

Marañon said such a scheme “is not unique to Cavite, as it has become a rising trend among incumbent politicians in recent years.”

“The act is not only doubly criminal, but doubly immoral as taxpayer’s money is being used to buy votes,” he said.

Marañon said Revilla and Ricafrente violated a provision of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds during the 45-day period before the conduct of regular elections.