Vote-buying also seen in Butuan b’gay polls

BUTUAN CITY , Philippines  – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) officer here has hinted that massive vote-buying like what happened in last May’s midterm elections and in previous polls would most likely still prevail in the upcoming barangay polls in this city. 

In an interview, lawyer Ermie Palanan, city election officer, told The STAR that although they would try their best to stop, if not minimize, vote-buying with the help of law enforcers, help from the community, the religious and the academe could make a difference in their efforts.

“I remember in the last May 2013 elections when a local radio station and its listeners sought my help because they claimed they personally saw that vote-buying took place. But when I asked them to come forward or I would see them personally (for them) to sign affidavits that money exchanged hands, they never contacted me again,” Palanan said.

There is talk that administration-backed bets in the barangay polls, particularly those seeking re-election, were given assurance of financial support and other logistical needs.

A month before election day last May, Palanan said he was dismayed by the results of the final survey conducted by the Fr. Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) that eight out of 10 city residents were expecting money in exchange of their votes.

Prior to the final survey, two other previous FSUU surveys also got the same findings.

Dr. Grace Broncano, chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting here, said the May 13 midterm elections were tainted by massive vote-buying in almost all urban and rural barangays of this city.

She said barangay officials themselves were involved in vote-buying, personally paying and pressuring residents to vote for their preferred candidates.

“These barangay officials made sure that their constituents voted for their supported candidates to ensure victory,” she said.

She said votes were being bought for P1,000 to P2,000, depending on a candidate’s position.

“The problem now is how to prosecute those who violated the election laws on vote-buying and selling since they are all now winners. Who among voters who received money would bravely come forward?” she asked.       

Bong Corvera, former village chief of Baan Riverside, one of the biggest in this city, said he is now thinking of not running in the upcoming barangay polls, as he has no money. 

To ensure victory, Corvera, a veteran politician, said a voter in the barangay polls must reportedly be allotted P300 to P500. “This is too much, voters as early as now are asking money. Where will I get that money to buy votes?’ he said.

Two other veteran politicians, both former barangay chiefs of two small villages here, told The STAR that they, too, are contemplating not to run anymore, saying seeking public office to serve the people has now become costly. 

“We learned that we must prepare for logistics to buy votes at P300 per voter. Where will we get such money to buy votes, especially when we are in the opposition?” one of them said.