Reports of giving money during campaign to be referred to local Comelec execs — Jimenez

MANILA, Philippines — Reports of money being given away during the campaign period will be referred to local officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for investigation, poll body spokesperson James Jimenez said Tuesday.

In a Laging Handa public briefing, Jimenez was questioned if a dance contest with cash prize is allowed under Comelec guidelines.

READ: Strict Comelec guidelines resulted in several campaign violations —DILG

“So ang ginagawa natin kapag may mga report na nakukuhang ganyan, talagang inire-refer po natin sa local officials natin, local Comelec officials for investigation and if necessary, referral to the law department for filing of a case,” he responded.

(What we do when we get those kinds of reports, we refer it to local Comelec officials for investigation and if necessary, referral to the law department for filing of a case.)

“Again, ang malinaw sa atin is that giving free money for the purpose of soliciting votes, vote buying po ‘yan. Kailangan lang natin patunayan,” he stressed.

READ: Vote buying still an offense, Comelec spokesperson insists

(Again, what is clear is that giving free money for the purpose of soliciting votes, that is vote buying. We just need to prove that.)

Early Tuesday, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla gave away cash prizes in a dance contest during the campaign rally of the tandem of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte-Carpio.

READ: In Marcos-Duterte rally, Remulla gives away prize money after ‘talent showdown’

je