• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Commission on Elections yesterday encouraged complainants of vote buying to substantiate their claims by executing affidavits.
This was the response of Provincial Comelec supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria to numerous complaints on reported vote buying during the recently concluded synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, which they received through electronic mail or the social media account of Comelec.
Ananoria said he noted that those sent through email were pictures of alleged vote buying without context.
Sample ballots with accompanied cash were intercepted in San Enrique, as reported by the police, while the Comelec is investigating alleged vote buying in La Carlota City, where a local official was accused of being involved.
If there is evidence, even if the election was already concluded, charges can still be filed against violators, Ananoria said.
Let’s file a case to stop vote buying, he stressed.
Ananoria also said that all tied votes during the BSKE 2023 should be resolved not later than November 3, as per instruction of the Comelec central office.
The Comelec recorded a total of 137 tied votes in the province.
Only the proclamation of a kagawad from Brgy. Tabigue, EB Magalona has been suspended, pending the resolution of a complaint for premature campaigning.
Ananoria reminded all candidates who either won or lost in the recent polls, to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) before the deadline on November 29.*
