BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Vote buying was rampant during last week’s elections in Butuan City, Agusan provinces and other parts of Caraga region, a poll watchdog confirmed yesterday.
Grace Broncano, chair of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) based at the Fr. Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) here, said the recently concluded elections was the worst among the many political exercises ever conducted in Butuan City.
She noted that barangay officials themselves were involved in vote buying. She said these officials were personally paying and pressuring voters to vote for their preferred candidates.
“These barangay officials make sure that their constituents voted for their supported candidates to ensure victory,†Broncano said. She said the price for vote buying ranged from P1,000 to P2,000, depending on the position of the candidates.
“The problem now is how to prosecute those who violated theelection laws on vote buying and selling since they are all now winners? Who among voters who received money will bravely come forward? †she asked.