DOJ, PNP, AFP to join multi-agency task force vs. vote-buying — Comelec exec

The Department of Justice (DOJ), the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are among the agencies that will be a part of the task force against vote-buying, an official from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said the multi-agency task force will be constituted on Wednesday.

“Yan po ay siyempre ay pangungunahan ng Comelec. Nabanggit ninyo na rin po na magmi-miyembro po diyan ang DOJ, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Information Agency, Armed Forces of the Philippines, at PNP,” he said.

(The task force will be led by the Comelec. You already mentioned that members would include the DOJ, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Information Agency, Armed Forces of the Philippines and PNP.)

Garcia said the creation of the task force aims to show the candidates and the public that the government is serious in preventing vote-buying incidents.

According to him, the task force can launch motu proprio investigation even without a formal complaint from an individual. 

Election offenses

Last week, Malacañang discouraged the public from buying and selling votes since these are election offenses.

Acting deputy presidential spokesperson Kristian Ablan issued the reminder 45 days before Filipinos vote for the country's next set of leaders—from president to municipal councilors—on May 9.

“The Palace reminds the Filipino people that vote-buying and vote-selling are prohibited acts under the Omnibus Election Code so bawal po tumanggap at bawal din po bumili ng boto (It is illegal to accept payment for votes or to buy votes),” he said at a news conference.

“Anyone found guilty of these prohibited acts under the Omnibus Election Code will face penalties of imprisonment and fine,” he added. — RSJ, GMA News