The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will investigate a governor and 13 mayors from Luzon over allegations of vote-buying related to the recently concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said this is based on what was reported to them that there was a vote-buying incident involving local government officials.
“Meron po kaming iniimbestigahan isang governor and 13 mayors sapagkat sa mismong bahay pa nila at ibang pag-aari po nila,” said Garcia.
Garcia did not mention which province, town or city the officials came from. He just reminded other LGU officials not to interfere with BSKE.
“Sinasabi po natin sana hindi nakikialam ang mga opisyal ng local government sapagkat alam ninyo lalo lang magugulo, nagugulo ang halalan sa barangay at SK,” said Garcia.
Governor, 13 mayors will be investigated for vote-buying
But there is also the possibility that some of the reports they receive are just “fake news” so further investigation is needed to hold accountable those who are guilty.
For those who are to be found guilty in the investigation based on the evidence gathered, Garcia promised that they would immediately file a case for vote-buying in compliance with the Omnibus Election Code.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of the results of the Barangay Elections in the local and national elections.
Marcos voted early in Barangay Lacub, Batac City, Ilocos Norte. It was around 7:04 in the morning when the President arrived at Mariano Marcos Memorial Elementary School where he voted in Precinct 0036A, Cluster Number 0036A.
“I cannot overstate the importance of the result of the barangay elections. It’s very simple, I mean, the political dynamics is very simple. If halimbawa you are running for mayor, and the majority of the barangay officials are on your side, are helping you, ay talagang malaking bagay yon. It will make it much easier to be elected in the local level,” said Marcos.
“As a national politician, I always say that of all the elected officials, it’s the barangay officials who can actually tell you “I will deliver this many votes.’ Kapag sinabi ng ibang barangay na magdedeliver ako ng 350 votes dito sa aming votes dito sa aming barangay, asahan mo, 350 votes, totoo ‘yun. Kaya’t para sa aming mga politiko, napakahalaga ng resulta ng barangay elections,” he added.
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