Bets buy votes in Ilocos Norte, but…

LAOAG CITY , Philippines   â€“ Vote buying has been going on in Ilocos Norte but no investigation could prosper due to lack of evidence, according to the provincial election officer.

Joel Gines, provincial chief of the Commission on Elections, said his office has received several complaints that certain politicians have been engaging in vote buying, but the accusers could not present hard evidence.

Reports said vote buying is rampant in places where elective posts are tightly contested, with money attached to campaign flyers and sample ballots distributed to villagers.