DILG to public: Continue to report vote-buying even if election is over

MANILA, Philippines — The public should continue to report incidents of vote-buying even as the election comes to a close, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Tuesday.

“And even as voting has concluded, I strongly urge the public to continue to report cases of vote-buying,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.

“The government needs your help to strengthen our democracy. To stop the menace of vote buying, the vigilance of the public is key,” he added.

Año said complaints can be submitted along with evidence to the nearest offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police (PNP), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

With this, Año lauded Comelec, DILG, PNP, and NBI for addressing reports of vote-buying incidents in the Philippines during the 2019 May midterm polls.

“I also wish to commend the Task Force Kontra Bigay composed of the Comelec, DILG, PNP, and the NBI for their concerted effort to confront head-on the menace of vote-buying in our country,” he said.

“The arrest of hundreds of perpetrators is an important step in reducing if not eradicating this clear affront to our democracy,” Año added.

The PNP earlier bared that 441 individuals were arrested nationwide for alleged selling and buying of votes during the 2019 elections. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)

READ: PNP: 441 arrested across Philippines for alleged vote buying