Church leaders denounce vote-buying in Pangasinan

Various church leaders on Tuesday, 6 May, decried what they described as “massive and rampant” vote-buying in Pangasinan’s 6th Congressional District.

In separate letters addressed to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia, Christian church leaders from Tayug, Umingan, Sta. Maria, Balungao, Rosales, and San Manuel expressed “great alarm and concern” over reports that some candidates are allegedly distributing up to P3,000 per voter in exchange for electoral support in the upcoming midterm elections.

In their joint letter, the 34 church leaders described the alleged vote-buying scheme as “revolting to the senses but perplexing.”

“The scale and amount alone… is not only revolting to the senses but perplexing,” the letter read.
“But more alarming is how vote-buying destroys the moral fabric of our community,” it further stated.

Citing biblical teachings, the religious leaders condemned the practice as immoral and unlawful, warning that it undermines the integrity of public office and fosters voter disillusionment.

They also questioned the absence of arrests or visible enforcement despite widespread reports of electoral misconduct, stating that “not a single apprehension has been made or concrete and effective action taken in order to prevent what is clearly illegal and immoral.”

“We do hope and pray that under your watch and guidance, the further deterioration of our country’s electoral system shall not prosper,” the pastors wrote, urging Comelec to take decisive action.

The signatories represent a broad range of churches and ministerial associations across Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, in a separate letter dated 29 April, 6th District Representative Marlyn “Len” Primicias-Agabas also urged the Comelec to address reports of “open and blatant” vote-buying in the district, specifically accusing congressional candidate Gilbert Estrella of distributing P3,000 per voter.

As of writing, the Comelec has not released an official statement on the matter, though it earlier said the complaint raised by Primicias-Agabas is under investigation.

To date, the poll body has received nearly 400 vote-buying complaints.