The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will launch a Counter-Giving Task Force to prevent vote-buying during this campaign period.
Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said this in conjunction with his warning to all running candidates regarding raffling in their campaigns especially now that the 45-day campaign period for local candidates has begun.
He said Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code states that vote-buying is not only about giving money but also about the influence of something on a voter’s vote.

This is the reason why raffles or any kind of donation, even any kind of promises, can also be considered vote-buying.
Garcia said the raffle or any type of donation could also be considered vote-buying.
He said Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code states that vote-buying is not just about giving money, but will influence something on a voter’s vote just like promises.
The Comelec’s Counter-Giving Task Force is comprised of various government agencies including the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine Information Agency.

It can conduct a motu proprio investigation involving vote-buying, with or without a formal complaint.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Garcia continued to urge voters to reject any form of vote-buying and immediately report it to the Comelec carrying strong evidence of such illegal activities.

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