3 weeks ago
6
TAYABAS CITY — Reports of massive vote-buying in different places here floated on election day with candidates brazenly carrying out the alleged payout in conspicuous areas.
Videos and photos of long queues along the roads were captured on Monday morning in multiple areas, including the Bulwagan ng Tayabas Reception Hall in Barangay Wakas; at the back of the Tayabas Basilica in Barangay Angustias; near an elementary school in Barangay Ipilan; inside an old cockpit arena in Barangay Wakas; and former Sulo Resort in Barangay Calumpang.
Some of the people in line said they were there for the cash aid from a mayoral candidate.
Tayabas City police chief LtCol. Elizabeth Capistrano said the police can't just barge in because the alleged payout was held on a private property and there is no clear evidence of vote-buying.
However, the police filed a report at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) about the incident which was attested by city election officer Ramir Larita.
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Larita, however, said the police are fully authorized to arrest if the suspects are caught in the act of buying votes. He also said the person who received money or anything in kind in exchange of votes can file a complaint at the Comelec office.
He added that the police can also investigate if a large number of people assembled on election day.
