Some voters claimed that local, congressional and partylist candidates were allegedly engaged in vote buying few days before the May 12 elections, which 300 pesos came from partylist group while 500pesos to 1,000pesos coming from local candidates and congressional aspirants in Puerto Princesa.
They said that these payouts are well-organized and done inside the houses of incumbent barangay officials and former barangay officials.
54-year old Jenny, and a mother of five kids, and a registered voter of Barangay Sta. Monica said that as early as Monday evening, May 5, exactly a week before the election day, their leaders informed them that some P500 will be distributed to them, allegedly coming from local candidates.
She said that not only local candidates are allegedly giving cash these days as Election Day is approaching but also congressional candidates. One candidate gave P1,000 to each voter, while the other candidate gave P500 each. A partylist group also gave P300 to every voters.
“Kahapon, 1,300 pesos natanggap ko kasi sabay na binigay ang isanlibo ng kandidatong congressman at ang 300 galing sa partylist,” Jenny informed this writer, on the condition of anonymity, or not disclosing her last name.
39-year old Chinny and a mother of four kids confirmed this. She said that these payouts are well-organized and orderly with holding areas, waiting areas, and a place where to exit conveniently. Sample ballots are also given during these payouts.
A sari-sari store owner in Employees Village in Sta. Monica, 36 year old Noli said that one payout allegedly done yesterday started from 3pm and lasted until 10pm. He said that since he came late, he queued there for almost an hour.
Noli’s neighbor 45-year old Reynald and a private company worker said that it took him only 15 minutes to queue because he came an hour before the scheduled payout.
These payout requires stubs from voters and a valid ID to prove their identity, while in some groups they only require IDs of the voter indicating that he or she is a member of the local political group.
A public school teacher principal in one of the elementary schools in Puerto Princesa City, who requested not to be named said that vote buying
“Nagiging normal na ang vote buying. Mahirap na syang tanggalin. Maliban lang siguro kung mayroong seryosong electoral reforms at enforcement din,” he said.
The PNP through the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) has warned the public against vote buying.
In a recent press briefing, PMaj Pearl Manyll Marzo, acting chief of the city operations and management unit (COMU) has reaffirmed the PNP’s firm commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the electoral period. She issued a strong warning against vote buying and urged the public to remain vigilant, encouraging citizens to report any election-related irregularities or violations.
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