Comelec warns poll bets vs giving cash

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned again yesterday candidates in the May midterm polls from giving away cash or any valuable rewards during events.

“Candidates themselves can participate in a contest or event, but they are barred from giving valuable gifts,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

Garcia said giving away cash and other valuables can be considered a form of vote buying.

“We hope that candidates will not resort to that,” he said.

Over 68 million voters nationwide are expected to receive a voter information sheet as the Comelec yesterday began distributing the VIS.

Thousands of casual employees were hired to ensure that all voters, including those in the farthest areas, will receive the VIS, Garcia said.

The Comelec hopes to finish the nationwide distribution of 68,542,564 VIS before April ends.

Voters should bring the VIS on election day instead of sample ballots handed out by candidates or political parties, Garcia said.

The VIS helps voters find their polling precincts. It contains the list of national, local and party-list candidates in the midterm elections.

Garcia and other poll commissioners yesterday led the VIS distribution in Pasay.

Distributing the VIS is a challenge for the poll body since they must ensure that voters reside at the address listed on their record, according to Garcia.

Two weeks before the election, Garcia said voters would have access to the precinct finder to easily locate their assigned polling precinct.