PNP records 5 cases of vote-buying

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has so far documented five cases of vote-buying across several regions nationwide, as the May 12 national and local elections approach.

At the Saturday News Forum, PNP Public Information Office chief Police Colonel Randulf Tuaño said cases of vote-buying recorded involved “pagbibigay ng mga groceries, tinatawag natin na ayuda na kung saan ang pagbibigay ng ayuda or 'yung mga kauri nito, 'yung mga TUPAD etc… pinagbabawal ito 10 days before elections (the giving of groceries and financial assistance such as TUPAD is not allowed 10 days before elections).”

The cases of vote-buying were monitored in Regions I, IV-A, V, XI, and Cordillera Administrative Region.

“At sa five cases na ito na nangyari ang tao pong suspects na nafile-an ng kaso ay 18 [individuals],” Tuaño said.

(And in these five cases, we filed raps vs. 18 people.)

Among the acts presumed as vote-buying and vote-selling were possession, transportation, and/or carrying cash exceeding P500,000 along with campaign paraphernalia two days before and on election day, giving or distributing assistance or “ayuda,” and long lines or queues of registered voters for distribution of money, grocery items intended to sway a person to vote for or against any candidate.

Election Day is Monday, May 12, with polling precincts opening as early as 5 a.m. to allow senior citizens, persons with disability, and pregnant registered voters to cast their votes early until 7 a.m.

Regular voting hours however will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. —KG, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.