Poll bets warned vs holding raffles during campaign sorties

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday reminded national and local candidates that conducting raffles during campaign activities is prohibited.

“Pag pumasok na tayo sa mismong campaign period, baka makasuhan sila niyan. So, ang advise natin is not to do that,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez replied in a TeleRadyo interview when asked to comment on raffles during campaign sorties.

(Once the the campaign period starts, they may be charged. So, our advice is not to do that.)

The campaign period for national candidates kicked off on February 8.

“Delikado kasi ‘yan at mauuwi ‘yan sa vote buying. So, better not to do it na lang. Otherwise, kung mangyari pa rin ‘yan, makikita pa rin, lahat ng insidenteng ire-report natin ay idudulog natin sa tamang awtoridad, sa law department natin halimbawa, para makita kung may kaso nga at makakasuhan ba talaga,” continued Jimenez.

(That may result in vote buying. So, better not to do it. Otherwise, if that happens, all incidents reported to us will be forwarded to authorities, our law department for example, to determine whether or not charges can be filed.)

Earlier, Jimenez said that holding raffles is an electoral offense and the penalty is imprisonment for up to six years and disqualification from holding office.

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