Pangasinan solon asks Comelec to probe 'vote-buying' in 3 towns

Pangasinan 6th district Representative Marlyn Primicias-Agabas called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to look into the alleged reports of vote-buying in her province ahead of the May midterm elections. 

Primicias-Agabas sent a letter to Comelec chairperson George Garcia and Philippine National Police chief General Rommel Marbil alleging incidents of vote-buying in the towns of Rosales, Balungao, and Asingan. 

“Numerous reports of district-wide massive and unabated vote buying at P3,000 per voter operated by the leaders and supporters of Gilbert Estrella have reached my office particularly in (the municipalities of) Rosales, Balungao, and Asingan,” her letter read.

She added that “willing complainants are also reluctant to execute affidavits because they are also subjected to harassment and terrorism.”

GMA News Online is trying to get in touch with Estrella for his side.

Meanwhile, Garcia confirmed to GMA News Online that Primicias-Agabas’ letter was already forwarded to the poll body’s Committee on Kontra Bigay, which looks into the cases of alleged vote-buying, vote-selling and abuse of state resources (ASR).

COMELEC earlier said that it has issued 213 show-cause orders to national and local candidates as of April 28. Of the said figures, 130 were related to alleged vote-buying and vote-selling, 67 were for ASR, and 16 were other complaints.—LDF, GMA Integrated News

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