Vote buying complaints reach 1,111 – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has so far received 1,111 complaints of vote buying during the May 9 elections.

Comelec acting spokesman John Rex Laudiangco reported yesterday that the poll body’s Kontra Bigay Facebook page received and responded to 940 messages. Its official email received and replied to 171 emails.

“Out of the 171 emails, 88 can be considered valid reports and have been officially recorded. Out of the 88 recorded reports, only 49 were submitted with supporting evidence,” Laudiangco said.

In response to the complaints, the Comelec requested 210 concerned citizens to file affidavits, including their evidence for potential motu proprio case against individuals allegedly involved in vote buying or selling.

Of the 210, only three so far have expressed willingness to pursue their complaints, Laudiangco added.

The Comelec’s Law Department, meanwhile, received 105 reports and docketed 12 verified complaints.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) reportedly assisted one voter who executed an affidavit of complaint for vote buying.

“The lone case from the IBP which has an affidavit of complaint is already filed before the Comelec Law Department and one of the 12 docketed complaints,” Laudiangco said.

One case was endorsed to the Anti-Money Laundering Council, as it reportedly involved suspicious bank withdrawals.

The Department of Justice-National Prosecution Service received one case from Tangub City in Misamis Occidental, and the Philippine National Police received one case from Naic, Cavite.

Meanwhile, the Comelec said 24 candidates may be perpetually disqualified from seeking a position in government for reportedly failing to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditure (SOCE) twice.