• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A barangay captain in Bago City, Negros Occidental who won in the recently concluded synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, is now in hot water after a sworn affidavit on alleged vote buying was forwarded to the Commission on Elections Law Department for appropriate action.
This was confirmed yesterday by Provincial Comelec Supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, who is urging witnesses of vote buying activities to come forward and file complaints against those behind the illegal activities.
Another incident of vote buying was reported to the police in San Enrique, Negros Occidental, where a 59-year-old man was intercepted for allegedly distributing sample ballots attached with P500.
The arrested suspect was reported by the police as a relative of a candidate running for punong barangay in San Enrique.
Ananoria said that a complaint was filed before the Comelec. “Vote buying is an election offense,” he stressed.
According to the Comelec, vote buyers and sellers may be imprisoned for six years, in addition “perpetual disqualification to hold office,” and may lose their right to vote.
As to the case of a barangay kagawad in EB Magalona whose proclamation was suspended for alleged premature campaigning, Ananoria said it is now pending resolution by the Comelec.
He also reported that the 137 tied votes recorded by the Comelec, involving barangay and SK kagawad candidates in Negros Occidental, have already been resolved on November 3.*
