Comelec steps up campaign vs vote buying

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) gave a stern warning that it will go after those engaged in vote buying and vote selling as it intensifies its regulations during electoral exercises, especially with the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).

- RHODINA VILLANUEVA

During the launch of the Committee on Kontra Bigay (CKB) on Friday, Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. said they will pinpoint particular activities and acts that shall be "presumed" as vote buying and vote selling.

These include possessing or delivery of any coins, notes, monies, cards, pay envelopes, bags, groceries, tokens or anything of value, together with sample ballots or other campaign materials in favor of or against a candidate; having long lines or queues of registered voters/persons for the distribution of money, discount, insurance or health cards, grocery items and such other goods, intended to be used to induce the persons to vote for or against any candidate; employing the "hakot" system or the gathering of two or more registered voters to a specific place before election day and on election day.