THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has created task forces in several areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in a bid to intensity its campaign against vote-buying with only over two weeks left before the holding of the BARMM Parliamentary Elections (BPE).
In an interview Thursday, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the forming of these groups aims to show the public, especially the aspirants and their supporters, that the poll body is serious in stopping such practices.
“Your Commission on Elections – led by our Executive Director acting as the Project Management Office (PMO) – has established task forces across various provinces and in the two cities of the Bangsamoro region (Cotabato City and Basilan) to intensify the campaign against vote-buying,” he said.
“We want to demonstrate that we do not waver or delay in addressing the issue of vote-buying,” the poll body chief added.
Vote-buying is prohibited under Section 261 (a) and (b) of the Omnibus Election Code. It carries a penalty of one to six years’ imprisonment, disqualification from holding public office, and deprivation of voting rights.
The offense is defined as any person, who gives, offers, or promises money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, in order to induce anyone to vote for or against any candidate.
Garcia warned those who are planning to engage in such illegal activities that they will face the consequences of their actions.
“As for those planning to engage in vote-buying, intending to release funds solely for that purpose, go ahead and do it. However, the moment we see a video or receive a complaint, we will take immediate action,” the Comelec head said.
“It is within our authority, upon receiving a complaint, to withhold the proclamation of a candidate, even before a final decision is reached. In fact, we have already taken such measures in the past. It would be unfortunate if you ended up regretting it later on,” he added.
He also reminded the people that the Comelec has previously cancelled the registration of a political party and disqualified candidates for not complying with campaign regulations.
“This means we will not hesitate to disqualify candidates, cancel registrations, or disqualify sectoral organizations if we observe violations of our basic campaign requirements,” Garcia said.
The BPE is scheduled to be held on Sept. 14. (PNA)
