Comelec: Betting on poll results is against the law

Commission on Elections Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, in an interview with members of the media on Monday, February 11, warns the public that betting on elections results is an offense. FAYE ORELLANA / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Betting on the outcome of election results is am election offense, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned on Monday.

“It is an election offense, but you need a formal complaint,” Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo told reporters.

“Ang tanong, sino magfa-file ng complaint? ‘Yung natalo sa pustahan? Hindi naman siya makapag-file ng complaint kasi kasama siya roon [sa offense],” Casquejo said.

(The question is, who would file the complaint? The losing bettor? I don’t think he or she will since she will also be charged.)

“Ganoon rin sa bumibili ng boto. Election offense ‘yun sa bumili at binilhan. Pero kailangan ng concrete evidence, ng witness, para makapag-file ng complaint,” Casquejo added.

(It’s the same case with vote-buying. The one who offered and received money are both liable.  What’s needed is concrete evidence and witnesses  so that a formal complaint can be filed.)

The midterm election is scheduled on May 13.

The campaign period for national candidates will start on Tuesday, February 12, while the official campaign period for local candidates kicks off on March 29. / gsg