With just over two weeks remaining before the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections on September 14, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has established specialized task forces across several provinces and key cities in the region to crack down on vote-buying.
COMELEC Chairperson Atty. George Erwin Garcia announced on Thursday, August 27, that the initiative—led by the poll body’s Executive Director acting as the Project Management Office—aims to demonstrate firm enforcement to candidates and their supporters. The task forces will cover provinces as well as the cities of Cotabato and Basilan.
“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,” Garcia stated.
“We want to demonstrate that we do not waver or delay in addressing the issue of vote-buying,” he added.
Vote-buying violates Sections 261 (a) and (b) of the Omnibus Election Code. The offense carries penalties including one to six years in prison, permanent disqualification from holding public office, and the revocation of voting privileges.
Under electoral law, the prohibition applies to anyone directly or indirectly offering or giving money or items of value to influence votes.
Garcia issued a direct warning to individuals or parties planning to distribute illicit funds, emphasizing that the commission will act swiftly upon receiving evidence.
“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,” Garcia warned.
“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 said.
The poll chief also reiterated that COMELEC maintains the authority to cancel party registrations and disqualify candidates or sectoral groups that fail to adhere to basic campaign standards.
“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 noted.