MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is taking a proactive step to combat vote-buying ahead of the May 9 elections.
Commissioner George Garcia disclosed in a press conference here Saturday, March 26, that the poll body is set to activate a multi-agency task force to conduct an investigation and act on reported vote-buying.
"Yan po ay [this is] multi-sectoral, multi-agency, headed by Comelec with the Department of Justice, Philippine Information Agency, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and National Bureau of Investigation," he said.
Garcia said the task force may carry out investigations motu proprio or without the need of complaints and issue a subpoena to individuals.
It can also act on formal complaints involving vote-buying from the citizens.
Garcia warned that Comelec takes seriously allegations of vote-buying in any part of the country adding that such an act is punishable by one to six years of imprisonment.
Under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, giving, offering, or promising money or anything of value to induce anyone to vote for or against any candidate or withhold his vote in the election is prohibited.
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