PNP probing suspected vote-buying incidents on eve of Election Day

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it is now investigating some suspected incidents of vote-buying during the eve of Election Day.

At a press conference, PNP officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr. said authorities are planning to file complaints against the suspects.

“Kahapon po lamang ay mayroon po tayong naiulat na mga kaso ng hinihinalang vote-buying sa ilang mga lalawigan (Yesterday, we have reported incidents of suspected vote-buying in some provinces),” he said.

“At ang mga ito ay sumasailalim na ngayon sa masusing pagsisiyasat upang masampahan ng kaukulang kaso ang mga maysala (There reports are now undergoing thorough probe so we can file complaints against the suspects),” he added.

As of May 7, the Commission on Elections said  it is investigating 10 cases of alleged vote-buying. These reports were sent to the Comelec through its  official email address and Facebook page.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, any person found guilty of any election offense shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years. Violators will also be denied the right to vote and are prohibited from entering public office. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News