The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has implemented stricter regulations to curb vote buying and the misuse of state resources in the upcoming elections. Comelec Commissioner Ernesto P. Maceda Jr. emphasized the importance of these 'stronger standards and clearer regulations' to prevent vote buying, particularly when government resources are involved. The Comelec now presumes Abuse of State Resources (ASR) when an incumbent official or government employee uses public resources to benefit their own candidacy or that of a political ally. The resolution also shifts the presumption of innocence in vote-buying cases, placing the burden of proof on the accused. To ensure effective implementation, the Comelec has partnered with various government agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to strengthen enforcement efforts.
Amid growing concerns over excessive campaign spending, the Commission on Elections ( Comelec ) has introduced stricter regulations to curb vote buying and misuse of state resources in the upcoming elections. Comelec Commissioner Ernesto P. Maceda Jr. said this year’s polls will be governed by “stronger standards and clearer regulations” to prevent vote buying, particularly when government resources are involved.
“This will ensure that no candidate or party can subvert the will of the people through the illicit use of state resources,” Maceda said. “When those in power exploit government property, funds, and manpower to maintain political dominance, they coerce the most vulnerable in our society to trade their votes for access to basic services.” Abuse of state resources (ASR), as defined by Comelec, includes the misuse of government resources—whether material, financial, regulatory, media-related, or coercive—for electoral advantage.Under Resolution No. 1104, the poll body has expanded the authority of the Committee on Kontra Bigay, making it a permanent body tasked with overseeing and regulating ASR and vote buying violations. The resolution presumes ASR when an incumbent official or government employee uses public resources to benefit their own candidacy, that of a political ally, or a relative running for office. This includes the use of government vehicles for campaign activities, storage or distribution of campaign materials in government facilities, and the display of candidate-related paraphernalia in public offices or vehicles. The exploitation of government media platforms to promote candidates, sudden, unjustified changes in scholarship grants and social programs during the campaign period, and mass hiring of job order workers for political purposes are likewise considered ASR offenses. The Comelec described ASR as a “silent, yet pervasive” threat to democracy that undermines fair competition in elections. To further prevent its abuse, the poll body has implemented a total ban on the distribution of one-time government cash aid 10 days before election day, including programs such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program, and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, as well as the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers. Meanwhile, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia announced a significant shift in how vote-buying cases will be handled, saying accused individuals will now be presumed guilty until proven otherwise. “Now, it’s presumption right away. We won’t struggle to present evidence. The concerned party must give evidence that he’s not buying votes,” Garcia said, mostly in Filipino, in a press conference.Under the new guidelines, various acts will now be automatically considered as vote buying or vote selling unless proven otherwise. These include the possession or distribution of money, goods, or services alongside campaign materials; long queues for cash or giveaways linked to a candidate; door-to-door campaigning that involves handing out money or goods; and holding events such as bingo games or talent shows where candidates or their supporters distribute prizes. The rules also cover large cash withdrawals or the breaking down of large amounts into smaller denominations shortly before election day, as well as medical missions, legal aid services, and feeding programs conducted in areas where a candidate’s name or image is prominently displayed. The use of government-funded aid for political advantage—including unauthorized distribution of “ayuda” during the campaign period—will be penalized. Other prohibited acts: hiring excessive poll watchers, possessing chemicals that remove indelible ink, and being in possession of blank ballots on election day without authorization. Case build-up rule To effectively implement these measures, the Comelec has partnered with multiple government agencies to ensure a coordinated approach in penalizing ASR violators and vote buyers. Department of Justice Spokesperson Mico Clavano said the agency would reinforce its case build-up rule, boosting cooperation between law enforcement and prosecutors to build solid cases against election offenders. “One reform by Secretary Remulla is the case build-up rule. Here, government agencies will cooperate with the or , and the prosecutors to strengthen our case,” Clavano explained. Comelec has also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Education to enhance enforcement efforts during the election period
ELECTIONS VOTE BUYING ABUSE OF STATE RESOURCES COMELEC PHILIPPINE POLITICS CAMPAIGN FINANCING
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