The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned national and local candidates on Thursday that holding raffles during campaign events is illegal.
“Pag pumasok na tayo sa mismong campaign period, baka makasuhan sila niyan. So, ang advise natin is not to do that,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez replied in a TeleRadyo interview.
(Once the campaign period begins, they may face charges. So, our advice is not to do that.)
“Delikado kasi ‘yan at mauuwi ‘yan sa vote buying. So, better not to do it na lang. Otherwise, kung mangyari pa rin ‘yan, makikita pa rin, lahat ng insidenteng ire-report natin ay idudulog natin sa tamang awtoridad, sa law department natin halimbawa, para makita kung may kaso nga at makakasuhan ba talaga,” Jimenez continued.
(It is crucial because that may result in vote buying. So, better not to do it. Otherwise, if that happens, all incidents reported to us will be forwarded to authorities, our law department, for example, to determine whether or not charges can be filed.)
Earlier, Jimenez reminded candidates that they risk being disqualified or imprisoned if they hold raffles — whether in person or online – within the formal campaign time.
“Electoral offense po ‘yan. Ang penalty natin (That’s an electoral offense. Our penalty is) imprisonment for up to six years as well as disqualification from holding office,” he said.
Comelec warns raffles during political rallies illegal
“Sa campaign period po, bawal na ‘yan, sa ngayon, hindi pa natin naipagbabawal ‘yan,” the Comelec official also said.
(During the campaign period, that’s not allowed anymore. But for now, it is not yet prohibited.)
Comelec defines vote-buying and vote-selling as:
-
-
Any person who gives, offers or promises money or anything of value, gives or promises any office or employment, franchise or grant, public or private, or makes or offers to make an expenditure, directly or indirectly, or cause an expenditure to be made to any person, association, corporation, entity, or community in order to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate or withhold his vote in the election, or to vote for or against any aspirant for the nomination or choice of a candidate in a convention or similar selection process of a political party.
-
Any person, association, corporation, group or community who solicits or receives, directly or indirectly, any expenditure or promise of any office or employment, public or private, for any of the foregoing considerations.
-
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.