Cebuano voters urged to take photos, videos of vote buyers

A CHURCH-based group yesterday called on Cebu voters to take cell phone photos and videos of persons offering them money in exchange for their votes.

“Apart from moral or religious considerations, the commerce of votes does not make sense for both voters and candidates. It is not practical or ‘wais’ but merely ‘maro (underhanded),’” said Fr. Carmelo Diola of the Dilaab Foundation.

As early as last week reports of vote-buying surfaced in some towns of Cebu and Metro Cebu cities.

In barangay Lutac, Naga City, two persons were arrested by police for allegedly distributing cash envelopes.

The two suspects Rudy Obado, 40, and Marjun Geraldez, 20, both residents of the area were connected to Naga City Mayor Val Chiong, said Chief Supt. Clifford Gairanod based on initial information.

Several sample ballots and cash were confiscated.

In Santander town, police arrested four armed men from Negros who were bringing envelopes with P1,000 bills inside and sample ballots.

In Mandaue City, a resident of barangay Alang-Alang, said he received P100 from a sitio leader to vote for his candidates.

Diola urged voters to report to the Comelec or to them anyone offering cash in exchange for votes.

“If you know any candidate buying votes don’t vote for them. Let us not forget, a candidate that buys votes will commit corruption in return. No more three days of feasting, three years of regret,” Diola said.

He also said if a voter is undecided on whom to vote among local or national candidates, they can leave some of the oval unshaded since their votes can still be considered valid.  Jhunnex Napallacan, Michelle Joy Padayhag, Christine Emily L. Pantaleon, Norman V. Mendoza and Reporter Jucell Marie P. Cuyos