By Pearl Gumapos
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday (Nov. 10) said election candidates caught buying votes may face administrative and criminal charges, and may be disqualified from running during the 2022 elections.
“Para sa mga kandidato, mayroong administrative aspect iyan. Iyon ang parte sa Comelec so maaari silang ma-disqualify,” Comelec Director Elaiza Sabile-David said during the Laging Handa public briefing.
“Mayroon din itong criminal aspect. Iyon po ay pag mayroon nag-file ng kaso against them for vote buying. That is a criminal offense na at pag doon sa criminal aspect ay puwede na silang makulong,” she said.
David also warned the public that those caught selling their votes also face criminal charges.
“Dapat ding malaman ng taong bayan na hindi lamang para sa kandidato, hindi lang sila ang napaparusahan sa vote buying,” David said.
“Kahit tayong botante, kapag tayo ay nahuli naman pong tumanggap, maaari din tayong makasuhan ng election offense which is punishable for one to six years imprisonment,” she added. – bny
