PNP sees spike in cases of vote-buying, liquor ban violations on day of BSKE

PNP logo foregrounding people voting in a precinct. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The number of vote-buying during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) period has increased to 27, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Based on the data sent by PNP spokesperson and public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo to reporters on Tuesday, vote-buying cases climbed to 27 within 24 hours from October 30 (Election Day) to 31.

Broken down the report from Fajardo revealed that these incidents occurred in various regions nationwide — three each in Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley; four in Central Luzon; one each in Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas; two each in Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Mindanao; and three in Soccsksargen.

READ: On eve of 2023 BSKE, poll-related violence rose to 31 – PNP

Under the Omnibus Election Code, individuals who were proven to have engaged in vote-buying or vote-selling may face up to six years imprisonment, will be disqualified from holding any public office, and may lose the right to vote.

Liquor ban-related incidents

Aside from vote-buying cases, the number of liquor ban violators — which lasted from October 29 until the end of Election Day — likewise rose to 95.

From the 51 liquor ban-related incidents recorded during polls, the figure rose to 95, as monitored late yesterday. These incidents likewise yielded a total of 358 arrests from various regions nationwide.

Below is a list of incidents and the number of arrests per region as of October 31:

• National Capital Region – (Seven incidents of liquor ban violations resulted in the arrest of 57 individuals)
• Ilocos Region – (Two incidents, five arrested)
• Cagayan Valley – (10 incidents, 21 arrested)
• Central Luzon – (11 incidents, 52 arrests)
• Calabarzon – (18 incidents, 49 arrested)
• Bicol Region – (Two incidents, three arrested)
• Western Visayas – (12 incidents, 26 arrested)
• Central Visayas – (14 incidents, 37 arrested)
• Eastern Visayas – (Four incidents, 19 arrested)
• Northern Mindanao – (Four incidents, 11 arrested)
• Soccsksargen – (One incident and arrested)
• Caraga Region – (Two incidents, nine arrested)
• Cordillera Administrative Region – (Three incidents, five arrested)

Similar to the punishment for individuals linked to vote-buying, violators of liquor ban would likewise face jail time of one to six years without probation and a permanent ban from public office.