Koko calls on COMELEC and PNP to enforce vote buying ban

Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III on Sunday asked the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strictly enforce the law and arrest those involved in vote-buying.

The Omnibus Election Code prohibits the exchange of anything of value to induce a voter to vote for or against a particular candidate, an act commonly referred to as vote buying.

"The law is clear: This practice is illegal and candidates involved can lose their status as candidates, or if elected, lose their positions. Both COMELEC and PNP must not shirk from enforcing the law even on the most powerful of individuals", said Pimentel.

The Senate President said that reports have reached him from various concerned citizens about the proliferation of the illegal practice in their communities as the country prepares for the barangay and SK elections.

Pimentel said, "I am saddened that this practice continues unabated, even for barangay elections. I call on our countrymen - do not sell your vote. Report all incidents of vote buying to the nearest police station or COMELEC office."

The Senate President was previously the victim of electoral fraud and is a staunch advocate of electoral reform.

Pimentel said, "This election is one step towards Change. If we unite and say, in our words and actions, that we will not tolerate this atrocious practice of exchanging votes for money, we would have taken one big step towards a better future for the Philippines."