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Sunday, Jun 01, 2025
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Philippine Elections Attract Over 800 Complaints of Voting Irregularities
The Commission on Elections is investigating serious allegations of vote-buying and related offenses following the May 12 polls.
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reported receiving 806 complaints related to potential election offenses, primarily concerning vote-buying and vote-selling, in the wake of the May 12 mid-term elections.
This figure reflects an increase from the 712 complaints logged on election day, indicating a continuation of reports submitted to the commission.
Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr., who leads the Comelec Committee on Kontra Bigay, announced that 212 show cause orders have been issued to candidates.
These orders compel candidates to provide explanations as to why they should not face penalties or disqualification amidst the allegations.
During a press conference on May 16, Maceda emphasized the ongoing nature of the complaints, stating, "This means reports still keep being sent to us, and we also continue to receive complaints because these cannot just be brushed aside." He affirmed the commission's commitment to thoroughly investigate the reports made by voters.
Maceda clarified that disqualification petitions filed before the proclamation of winning candidates could still result in removal from office, even if the candidates have been sworn in.
He also noted that complaints raised after the elections could result in cases concerning election offenses; however, he warned that these cases typically encounter a more protracted legal process.
Election observers from the European Union have raised concerns about widespread vote-buying, describing the practice as "endemic" and "well-entrenched" in the country.
Their election observation mission reported multiple credible indications of vote-buying, with incidents involving both cash transactions and goods, as well as the partisan distribution of welfare payouts.
The Comelec is scheduled to announce the winning senatorial candidates on Saturday afternoon, May 17, at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel.
Additionally, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia has stated that a resolution concerning the allocation of seats for party-list representatives will be presented during the proclamation of winning party-lists on Monday, May 19.
This figure reflects an increase from the 712 complaints logged on election day, indicating a continuation of reports submitted to the commission.
Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr., who leads the Comelec Committee on Kontra Bigay, announced that 212 show cause orders have been issued to candidates.
These orders compel candidates to provide explanations as to why they should not face penalties or disqualification amidst the allegations.
During a press conference on May 16, Maceda emphasized the ongoing nature of the complaints, stating, "This means reports still keep being sent to us, and we also continue to receive complaints because these cannot just be brushed aside." He affirmed the commission's commitment to thoroughly investigate the reports made by voters.
Maceda clarified that disqualification petitions filed before the proclamation of winning candidates could still result in removal from office, even if the candidates have been sworn in.
He also noted that complaints raised after the elections could result in cases concerning election offenses; however, he warned that these cases typically encounter a more protracted legal process.
Election observers from the European Union have raised concerns about widespread vote-buying, describing the practice as "endemic" and "well-entrenched" in the country.
Their election observation mission reported multiple credible indications of vote-buying, with incidents involving both cash transactions and goods, as well as the partisan distribution of welfare payouts.
The Comelec is scheduled to announce the winning senatorial candidates on Saturday afternoon, May 17, at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel.
Additionally, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia has stated that a resolution concerning the allocation of seats for party-list representatives will be presented during the proclamation of winning party-lists on Monday, May 19.
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