Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 29) — Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos called on the public to be mindful of the number of poll watchers in precincts on election day, saying having more than the prescribed number could mean there is vote buying.
In a statement on Sunday, Abalos said under Section 25 of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10946 “hiring or appointing more than two watchers per precinct per candidate” could lead to a presumption of vote buying and vote selling.
“Hinihiling ko sa publiko na maging mapagmatyag at mag-ulat sa Comelec o DILG kung may mapansin silang presinto na umaapaw sa mga poll watchers. Iimbestigahan natin iyan ng maigi at gagawan ng kaukulang aksyon,” Abalos said in the statement.
[Translation: I ask the public to be observant and report to the Comelec or the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) if they notice any precinct that is teeming with poll watchers. We will investigate these incidents and take proper action.]
The Comelec earlier established a complaint center to counter vote selling and vote buying under the same resolution.
According to the Omnibus Election Code, vote buying involves giving money or anything of value, promising any office or employment and other offers to induce anyone to vote for or against any candidate or withhold their vote in an election.It also said any candidate caught buying votes may face imprisonment of up to six years and perpetual disqualification from public office.
