The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported Saturday that 158 complaints have been filed with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding alleged vote buying, vote selling, and the misuse of government resources in connection with the May 12 midterm elections.
DILG Assistant Secretary Jesi Lanete said that among the complaints, 16 involved the alleged distribution of financial assistance or ayuda, which is prohibited under Section 33 of Comelec Resolution 11104.
he distribution of ayuda by candidates, their relatives up to the second civil degree, or known supporters during the election period is presumed to be an act of vote buying.
DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla expressed full support for Comelec’s “Kontra Bigay” campaign and emphasized the importance of a corresponding “Kontra Tanggap” effort to address both sides of electoral misconduct.
The regions with the highest number of complaints include Region IV-A (Calabarzon) with 31, Region III (Central Luzon) with 30, and the National Capital Region with 24.
As a result of these reports, Comelec has issued show-cause orders to 29 local candidates, asking them to respond to the complaints. Among those named are Marikina City mayoral candidate Stella Quimbo and her husband, congressional candidate Romero Quimbo; Manila mayoral candidates Isko Moreno, Sam Versoza, and incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna; and Laguna gubernatorial candidate Dan Fernandez.
Lanete reminded all candidates to refrain from engaging in vote buying, vote selling, or misuse of state resources, warning that violations could lead to disqualification.
Meanwhile, concerns over political violence continue to mount following the fatal shooting of a reelectionist mayor in Cagayan province.
Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Saturday called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strengthen its intelligence efforts after Rizal, Cagayan Mayor Joel Ruma was shot dead during a campaign rally on Wednesday evening at the Illuru Sur barangay hall.
Lacson, who is seeking a Senate seat in the May polls, described Ruma’s assassination as “blatant” and “brazen,” pointing to a serious intelligence failure on the part of the police.
Initial investigations revealed that Ruma was killed by a sniper and that he had received threats prior to the attack. PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
Lacson, who served as PNP chief from 1999 to 2001, stressed that it is the police force’s responsibility to ensure peace and order, particularly during the election season.
The killing has heightened fears of more election-related violence as the campaign period enters its final stretch toward the May 2025 midterm elections.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “158 election complaints filed with Comelec — DILG.”