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Tuesday, May 06, 2025
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Vote-Buying Allegations Emerge in Philippine Elections as Candidates Face Complaints
Marikina City representative Maan Teodoro and other candidates accused in multiple vote-buying allegations as the election period intensifies.
In the lead-up to the 2025 elections in the Philippines, multiple allegations of vote-buying have surfaced against candidates across various regions.
Marikina City Representative Maan Teodoro has become a focal point of these accusations, with a formal complaint filed against her before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The complaint, submitted by attorney Christian Real on behalf of John David Ramos, claims that Teodoro's campaign engaged in systematic cash distributions disguised as government assistance.
The allegations include several cash handouts of ₱2,000 each, purportedly distributed during campaign events in barangays such as Sto.
Niño Heights, Concepcion Uno, and Jesus dela Peña. Additionally, the distributions allegedly utilized official forms from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), despite the absence of DSWD personnel at the events.
Eight sworn affidavits from residents, as well as video and photographic evidence, have been presented in support of the complaint.
Events reportedly included campaign speeches from Teodoro, encouraging attendees to vote for her and her husband, Marcelino Teodoro, who is also a candidate for Congress in the city’s first district.
The complaint notes that this integration of campaign activities with cash assistance programs is a violation of electoral laws, which prohibited such actions during the campaign period.
Meanwhile, Makati Mayor Mar-Len Abigail “Abby” Binay and incumbent Taguig Second District Representative Amparo Maria “Pammy” Zamora also find themselves facing serious allegations.
A complaint has been lodged against them for purported violations of Section 261 (a) and (b) of the Omnibus Election Code.
During a campaign rally in Taguig, Binay allegedly made statements that suggested monetary rewards for voters supporting Zamora, which is interpreted as a violation regardless of whether money was actually distributed.
As of May 1, Comelec's Committee on Kontra Bigay reported receiving 169 complaints related to vote-buying and vote-selling, alongside 80 allegations of abuse of state resources.
The regions with the most reports include Calabarzon and Central Luzon, with cities such as Marikina, Laguna, and Bulacan being notable locations for these allegations.
The Comelec has issued show-cause orders to at least 213 candidates in response to various violations concerning the electoral process.
In a separate but related issue, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has raised concerns regarding a Makati-based public relations firm, InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, alleging potential treason and espionage charges due to its alleged collaboration with the Chinese Embassy to conduct disinformation campaigns in the Philippines.
Tolentino presented what he described as a contract between InfinitUs and the Chinese government, supported by a check of ₱900,000 allegedly paid for these services.
The allegations suggest that the actions of InfinitUs undermine national sovereignty.
Amid these allegations, the Philippine electoral landscape is marked by increasing scrutiny and criticism, reflecting ongoing concerns about election integrity and candidate conduct as the nation approaches the 2025 National and Local Elections.
Marikina City Representative Maan Teodoro has become a focal point of these accusations, with a formal complaint filed against her before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The complaint, submitted by attorney Christian Real on behalf of John David Ramos, claims that Teodoro's campaign engaged in systematic cash distributions disguised as government assistance.
The allegations include several cash handouts of ₱2,000 each, purportedly distributed during campaign events in barangays such as Sto.
Niño Heights, Concepcion Uno, and Jesus dela Peña. Additionally, the distributions allegedly utilized official forms from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), despite the absence of DSWD personnel at the events.
Eight sworn affidavits from residents, as well as video and photographic evidence, have been presented in support of the complaint.
Events reportedly included campaign speeches from Teodoro, encouraging attendees to vote for her and her husband, Marcelino Teodoro, who is also a candidate for Congress in the city’s first district.
The complaint notes that this integration of campaign activities with cash assistance programs is a violation of electoral laws, which prohibited such actions during the campaign period.
Meanwhile, Makati Mayor Mar-Len Abigail “Abby” Binay and incumbent Taguig Second District Representative Amparo Maria “Pammy” Zamora also find themselves facing serious allegations.
A complaint has been lodged against them for purported violations of Section 261 (a) and (b) of the Omnibus Election Code.
During a campaign rally in Taguig, Binay allegedly made statements that suggested monetary rewards for voters supporting Zamora, which is interpreted as a violation regardless of whether money was actually distributed.
As of May 1, Comelec's Committee on Kontra Bigay reported receiving 169 complaints related to vote-buying and vote-selling, alongside 80 allegations of abuse of state resources.
The regions with the most reports include Calabarzon and Central Luzon, with cities such as Marikina, Laguna, and Bulacan being notable locations for these allegations.
The Comelec has issued show-cause orders to at least 213 candidates in response to various violations concerning the electoral process.
In a separate but related issue, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has raised concerns regarding a Makati-based public relations firm, InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, alleging potential treason and espionage charges due to its alleged collaboration with the Chinese Embassy to conduct disinformation campaigns in the Philippines.
Tolentino presented what he described as a contract between InfinitUs and the Chinese government, supported by a check of ₱900,000 allegedly paid for these services.
The allegations suggest that the actions of InfinitUs undermine national sovereignty.
Amid these allegations, the Philippine electoral landscape is marked by increasing scrutiny and criticism, reflecting ongoing concerns about election integrity and candidate conduct as the nation approaches the 2025 National and Local Elections.
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