PNP says Albayalde’s comment on vote-buying said in jest

PNP chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde’s statement on vote-buying was only said in jest, PNP spokesman Colonel Bernard Banac clarified on Tuesday.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, Albayalde seemed to have advised voters to accept cash offered by election candidates but still vote for the right candidates seeking government seat.

“Sabihin na natin na nabigyan tayo ng pera. Hindi natin maiwasan na tumanggap, but then again iboto natin kung sino ang nararapat. Kung hindi maano ng pulis ‘yang vote-buying, tanggapin na lang natin siguro ‘yung pera pero iboto pa rin natin kung sino ang nararapat,” he said.

But according to Banac, Albayalde’s statement only aims to emphasize the need for an honest election in May.

“‘Yung naipahayag ni General Albayalde was made in jest,” he said.

“‘Yun ay pagbibigay ng emphasis ng ating chief PNP na tayo ay maging seryoso sa ating seguridad na pinapatupad at pagsiguro na maging honest at peaceful ang ating eleksyon ngayong Mayo 13,” he said.

Banac said the PNP also supports the campaign against bribery for the coming polls. /cbb