NATION

Comelec records 158 complaints

Jing Villamente · Apr 27, 2025, 12:20 AM

PASIG mayoral aspirant Sarah Discaya, joined by her son Gerrard (in a black shirt and eyeglasses), poses for a group photo with supporters and local residents during a caucus in Barangay Pineda on Friday evening. — Photograph by By Neil Alcober for the daily tribune

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) says a total of 158 complaints have now been filed with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), involving allegations of vote buying, vote selling, and misuse of government resources by candidates.

Speaking during a media forum on Friday at the DILG Central Office, Assistant Secretary Atty. Jesi Lanete revealed that 16 of those complaints are tied to the distribution of financial aid — or “ayuda” — which is strictly regulated during the election period.

“Under Comelec Resolution 11104, giving out ayuda or similar forms of assistance is presumed to be vote buying — especially if it’s done by a candidate, their relatives, or even known supporters or staff,” Lanete explained.