No Empty Threat

EDITORIAL

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Before election day, about 600 cases of suspected vote-buying and abuse of state resources were reported to the Commission on Elections, with a surge noted in the last few days before the vote. Reports reaching the Comelec indicated that the buy-and-sell of votes continued on election day itself.

Just because an illegal activity is widespread does not legitimize the deed. And it is the duty of relevant authorities to stop the activity and prevent its recurrence.

As in other types of wrongdoing, the best path to preventing a repeat is showing that offenders are caught and punished. Those 600 cases must be pursued with zeal if the Comelec does not want more of the same by the time the general elections in 2028 come around.