Metro Manila police director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin urged his officers to remain non-partisan and to arrest those violating the Election Code, particularly individuals involved in vote buying, in connection with the May 12 national and local elections.
This statement comes as the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) intensifies its efforts to combat vote buying and selling ahead of the midterm elections.
Aberin stated that the NCRPO fully supports the directive from Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, aiming to ensure clean, honest, and fair elections by strictly enforcing measures against candidates, supporters, and other individuals violating the election laws.
As part of this intensified campaign against electoral fraud, the NCRPO has mobilized all units to enhance intelligence gathering and conduct proactive enforcement operations.
Additionally, it is coordinating with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the full implementation of the “Kontra Bigay” campaign, which was officially launched early this month to combat vote buying, vote selling, and misuse of state resources, Aberin noted.
To achieve its objectives, the NCRPO heightened monitoring efforts, operational responses, and collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Comelec, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and the public.
“We will implement a zero-tolerance policy against vote buying and vote selling to ensure that the voice of the people is protected. We call on every voter to reject these unlawful acts and report any violations. By working together, we can make our elections a true reflection of the people’s will,” said the NCRPO chief.
During the 2023 village and youth council elections, the NCRPO arrested a woman involved in vote buying at a warehouse in Navotas, where the authorities also found around 200 individuals gathered around a table with bundles of white envelopes.
Police seized 24 bundles of envelopes, a laptop computer, and a box containing documents with registered voters’ names, contact numbers, precinct numbers, photocopies of IDs, and over 1,000 envelopes, each containing P300.
Comelec officials urged candidates not to engage in vote buying, including promising money or offering anything of value to voters, as such practices can lead to disqualification.
Section 261 of the Election Code defines vote buying as giving, offering, or promising money or anything of value to induce someone to vote for or against any candidate.
Vote buying is an election offense that carries a penalty of one to six years of imprisonment, as well as the removal of the right to vote or be elected.
Vote selling, on the other hand, refers to any person, association, corporation, group, or community that solicits or receives, directly or indirectly, any expenditure or promise of any office or employment in exchange for votes.
In 2013, the Comelec disqualified two local candidates—one in Roxas, Isabela, and another in Norzagaray, Bulacan—for vote buying.
Poll officials stated that the practice of vote buying can be eradicated or curtailed with the help of the public using video cameras.