Comelec: USSC cards allegedly used to buy votes

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said that Universal Storefront Services Corporation (USSC) cards were allegedly used by a candidate to buy votes.

USSC offers various financial services, including e-wallets, prepaid cards, and domestic money transfers.

In a radio interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the poll body is investigating an alleged vote-buying incident involving a congressional bet in Quezon City who used cash cards.

"Makabago na ngayon. Mayroon na ngayong tinatawag na USSCs (It's brand new. It's called USSCs)," Garcia explained.

While he did not yet name the candidate, Garcia said he believes that the act of giving cash cards is also equivalent to vote-buying.

"Naghihintay na tayo ng pinaka-report ng Committee on Kontra Bigay sa bagay na yan (We're just waiting for the Committee on Kontra Bigay's report on that)," he added.

Garcia previously explained that USSC cards are similar to SIM cards—but can be used in accredited stores to make purchases or avail of discounts.

He added that if the cards were issued during the campaign, "it's really vote-buying."

According to Garcia, the poll body has so far logged 123 cases of vote-buying.