3 weeks ago
23
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Cristina Chi - Philstar.com
May 16, 2025 | 4:42pm
Voters look for their names in a registration list for the mid-term election at a polling station set up in a mall in Manila on May 12, 2025.
AFP / Jam Sta Rosa
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections has received 806 complaints through its task force against vote-buying and vote-selling since the May 12 elections, up from the 712 initially reported on election day.
Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr., who heads the Comelec Committee on Kontra Bigay, said at least 212 show cause orders have been issued against candidates, which require them to explain why they should not face penalties or disqualification.
Maceda said at a press conference on Friday morning, May 16, that the 806 complaints are as of 7:30 a.m.
"This means reports still keep being sent to us, and we also continue to receive complaints because these cannot just be brushed aside," Maceda said in mixed English and Filipino.
"These are things that happened and were witnessed, and if you sent a report to us, we will honor your efforts by giving it the same effort we give everyone," he added.
DQs still possible. Disqualification petitions filed before a winning candidate's proclamation could still result in removal from office, even after the candidate has been sworn in, Maceda said.
For complaints submitted after the elections, Maceda said these could still lead to election offense cases, though such cases typically face a lengthier legal process.
Rampant vote-buying was among several issues flagged by election observers from the European Union, who noted the practice to be "endemic" and "well-entrenched" in the Philippines.
The EU election observation mission said it "witnessed several credible indications and received reports of vote-buying through cash and goods, as well as partisan distribution of welfare payouts."
The Comelec is set to proclaim the winning senatorial candidates Saturday afternoon, May 17 at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel.
Meanwhile, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said a resolution regarding the allocation of seats for the party-lists will be read in the proclamation of winning party-lists on Monday, May 19.
