Vote-buyers face warrantless arrest, COMELEC warns
CANDIDATES along with their representatives and supporters as well as voters caught engaging in vote-buying could be arrested without a warrant, a local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officer warned.
Dagupan City Election Officer Michael Franks Sarmiento said an on-the-spot warrantless arrest may be carried out by either law enforcers or private citizens.
“Not only is vote-buying prohibited, but it also poses a threat to the future of local governance and democracy,” he said.
He explained that receiving bribes or favors in exchange for votes can result in criminal conviction, disqualification from holding public office, and being barred from participating in future elections.
“We urge the public to be vigilant and report any instances of vote-buying to the authorities,” he said.
He also urged voters to carefully consider the long-term impact of their choices in the May 2025 elections and to exercise their right to vote with responsibility and prudence. (Ahikam Pasion)
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