Comelec flags surge in vote buying

CEBU, Philippines — Just a day before polling precincts open for the 2025 National and Local Elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has observed a surge in vote-buying activities in the country.

“Starting yesterday, there was an increase in vote-buying and in attempts of vote-buying,” COMELEC Chairman George Garcia said in an interview on Saturday.

He noted that the illegal activity continues to be carried out through traditional, face-to-face methods of handing cash to voters, as modern methods have proven ineffective.

“What they do is they exert effort to buy people’s votes in person because they are unable to do it through the use of modern technology,” said Garcia.

Garcia added that e-wallet platforms such as GCash and PayMaya have helped prevent digital vote-buying transactions.

“So far, you haven’t heard of those buying votes using GCash, PayMaya and other digital money platforms because as we have said earlier, they won’t be able to do that,” he said.

The COMELEC chief also warned the public against vote selling, particularly on election day when voters may be offered free rides, coffee, or food.

“On Monday, it is possible that several voters will be offered free rides, free coffee and food. That is vote buying and vote selling. It will be difficult since the police might flag the vehicle and will see you holding sample ballots and envelopes. That is vote buying. The erring voter will be filed a criminal case that is punishable by 6 years imprisonment,” Garcia explained.

“There is no vote buying without vote selling. It takes two to tango," he added.

Garcia said he is awaiting the report from the Committee on Kontra Bigay for the official tally of vote-buying incidents.

In the meantime, with only 24 hours before election day, COMELEC-7 and the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) have given the “green light” to the polls, assuring a peaceful and orderly voting process across the region.

“All systems go na ang Central Visayas for the May 12, 2025 NLE," said COMELEC-7 regional director Atty. Francisco Pobe.

According to Pobe, all essential election materials, including vote-counting machines (VCMs), peripherals, and other paraphernalia, have been distributed to precincts and barangays, except for the ballots, which are set to arrive today or in the early hours of May 12.

He added that COMELEC-7 is “100 percent ready,” with all personnel fully trained and deployed, and contingency logistics in place for remote and hard-to-reach areas, particularly in islands and upland barangays.

Central Visayas has a total of 5,400 clustered precincts, with 4,012 in Cebu Province and 1,500 in Bohol.

“To ensure smooth delivery, we have arranged transportation vehicles, deployed security personnel, and activated communication systems to monitor the movement of election boards and materials,” Pobe said.

He reminded voters of key prohibited acts on election day, including the sale and consumption of alcohol, last-minute campaigning, vote buying, and distribution of sample ballots within precinct premises. Loitering near voting areas and use of mobile phones with cameras inside voting booths are also banned.

“The sanctity of the ballot must be preserved,” Pobe emphasized.

He also reiterated that today, May 11 should serve as a “rest day” for candidates and supporters in preparation for the vote.

The midterm elections will allow voters to choose 12 senators, one party-list group, district representatives, governors and vice governors, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, mayors and vice mayors, and city or municipal councilors.

PRO-7 regional director PBGen. Redrico Maranan echoed COMELEC’s readiness, stating that all police units in the region are on full alert.

“Our commitment is clear: we will protect every voter and uphold the credibility of the elections,” Maranan said.

As of May 7, the PRO-7 Media Action Center has been activated to provide real-time verified updates and serve as a frontline against disinformation.

Police officers will be stationed not only in precincts but also in terminals, major roads, and identified “areas of concern.” Police Assistance Desks will also be set up in major precincts.

COMELEC-7 and PRO-7 are conducting extensive voter education and awareness campaigns, while security assessments continue to ensure that all polling centers meet standards for a secure and accessible vote.

Coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines is also ongoing to provide additional mobility and security in vulnerable areas. Contingency plans are in place for any power outages or technical issues with VCMs.

Voters in Central Visayas are urged to check their precinct assignments ahead of time and follow polling protocols to ensure a smooth and hassle-free election day. — (FREEMAN)