Vote-buying explained: The do’s, don’ts, and legal risks

As the campaign period for national candidates continues, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has received reports of vote-buying in four provinces ahead of the midterm elections.

But what exactly constitutes vote-buying?

According to Comelec, vote-buying is the act of giving, offering, or promising any of the following in exchange for a vote:

• Money or anything of value;

• Any office or employment;

• A franchise or grant, public or private;

• An expenditure, made directly or indirectly; and

• Inducing an individual, group, or the public to vote for or against a candidate, or to withhold their vote.

The purpose of vote-buying, according to Comelec, is to influence voters to support or reject a candidate or to manipulate the selection process within a political party.

Presumed acts of vote-buying

Comelec also outlined several activities that are presumed to be vote-buying, including:

• Distributing money, coins, gift bags, groceries, pay envelopes, tokens, or anything of value, along with sample ballots or campaign materials, in favor of a candidate;

• Long lines or gatherings of registered voters receiving money, discounts, health or insurance cards, grocery items, or similar goods intended to sway votes;

• Holding bingo games, talent shows, or similar events where prizes are distributed and candidates’ names or images are displayed or mentioned;

• Employing the hakot system — gathering voters in a specific location before or on election day to distribute money, goods, or sample ballots;

• Transporting or carrying more than P500,000 (or its foreign currency equivalent) along with campaign paraphernalia or other evidence within two days before or on election day;

• Conducting medical missions, legal aid services, feeding programs, or caravans that offer these services in a specific area where a candidate’s name or image is displayed or mentioned;

• Distributing financial assistance (ayuda) where a candidate’s name or image is present, whether given by the candidate, a close relative, or known supporters;

• Hiring or appointing more than two poll watchers per precinct, per candidate;

• Possessing inedible ink or any substance that can remove election ink, such as acetone or paint thinner, on election day; and

• Being in possession of blank original ballots on election day.

Penalties for Vote-Buying

Individuals found guilty of vote-buying face serious consequences, including:

• Imprisonment for a minimum of one year and a maximum of six years (without the possibility of probation);

• Disqualification from holding public office and losing the right to vote (suffrage); and

• A fine of no less than P10,000 for political parties involved in vote-buying.

Vote-buying remains a major election offense in the Philippines. The Comelec urges voters to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.