The Commission on Elections has intensified its efforts against the evolving tactics of vote buying, with a special focus on the use of social services to influence voters.
Comelec Commissioner Ernest Maceda, head of the Committee on Kontra Bigay, said the poll body is closely monitoring the situation and will strictly enforce measures to prevent all forms of vote buying ahead of the May 12 midterm elections. He noted that the commission has adopted innovative measures to ensure that “force, fraud, and funds” cannot be used by candidates to manipulate election results.
“Given the widespread abuse of state assistance, we have expanded our focus to include the misuse of state resources,” he said.
As part of the initiative, Comelec will prohibit the distribution of welfare aid within 10 days before election day.
In addition to prosecuting vote-buying offenses, Maceda pointed out that they will also pursue disqualification proceedings against those involved in such practices.
The poll body has introduced new rules for campaign conduct and vote buying, which is the presumption of guilt. For example, distributing aid with a candidate’s picture will be presumed as an attempt to buy votes.
Maceda added the Comelec would strictly enforce rules to prevent the abuse of state resources in the lead up to the elections.
Although they evolve, often at a rate that leaves the Comelec scrambling to catch up, the tactics involved in vote buying and illegal campaign materials often are well known. The challenge is for the poll body to find the ways and means to be proactive, even if hamstrung by a legislature that conveniently fails to update election laws to make it more relevant and useful as the times and technology change.
We can only wish the Comelec the best of luck in this effort.*
