Manila solons warn vs vote-buying

Two Manila congressmen on Thursday urged the public to be extra vigilant in the runup to the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in order to ensure the holding of a fair, credible and peaceful poll exercise.

Manila 2nd District Rep. Carlo Lopez and 1st District Rep. Manny Lopez said the May 14 elections were a nonpartisan activity and that groups and individuals, especially those in the city government, should refrain from using their position or resources to aid any candidate.

Claiming they have received reports of vote buying in some barangays days before the polls, the Tondo representatives urged residents to be vigilant and to immediately report the vote-buyers to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the police to prevent chaos and friction among opposing parties.

The Lopezes said they were confident that the Comelec’s quick-response team would respond to growing public complaints of preelection shenanigans in the city.