Comelec to form task force vs. vote-buying

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said it will form a task force that will investigate allegations of vote-buying.

“The Commission will be creating a Task Force that will handle reports, complaints. Definitely, the Comelec can motu proprio (on its own) investigate. The Comelec can always direct its field personnel to submit a report to us. We will have a task force for us to immediately take action,” Commissioner George Erwin Garcia said in a press conference at the conclusion of the end-to-end demonstration of the Election Day Automated Election System (AES) at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

Garcia, however, reminded the people to be very careful in making reports of vote-buying.

“As you know, politicians can always invoke the Peñera doctrine. Technically it’s not yet the start campaign period for local candidates. We will not hesitate to prosecute those who may be involved in vote-buying. We are so serious that for this election it is necessary to equalize everything. We will punish those who will be violating the Omnibus Election Code,” he added.

The Peñera doctrine refers to a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2009 where it voided the prohibition on premature campaigning.

This means that the expenses of candidates before the start of the campaign period are not covered by campaign guidelines.

Garcia, meanwhile, urged those who witnessed such an activity to file a complaint.

“Definitely regardless of the personalities involved so long as there is substantial evidence, substantial in character, we will push through with the prosecution of offenders of those who will be guilty of vote-buying,” he said.

Reports said reelectionist Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla was caught on video giving away cash prizes to participants of a talent show at the UniTeam campaign rally in Dasmariñas City.

Remulla, shrugged off vote-buying allegations, saying the campaign period for local candidates has not yet started.