TACLOBAN CITY —The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Eastern Visayas is urging the public to go beyond social media posts and file formal complaints amid a wave of online allegations of vote-buying.
Viral images and posts have recently circulated online, reportedly showing cash bills bearing the names of local candidates.
But city election officer Atty. Ramon Dadulla Jr. emphasized in an interview that while the commission takes the issue seriously, it cannot act based solely on unverified social media content.
“Screenshots and Facebook posts may serve as circumstantial evidence,” Dadulla explained. “However, these must be supported by sworn complaints identifying who captured and uploaded the material. This ensures due process and avoids defamation.”
Despite the flurry of allegations, Dadulla confirmed that no formal complaints have been filed with the local Comelec office.
“People expect us to take immediate action, but the law requires us to follow a formal process,” he said. “We are ready to help facilitate the filing of complaints. Once we receive them, we will refer the cases to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for verification and possible surveillance.”
Under Comelec Resolution No. 11104, law enforcement personnel may conduct warrantless arrests if individuals are caught in the act of committing election offenses such as vote-buying. However, the enforcement of such actions hinges on proper documentation and legal groundwork.
Asked whether candidates may be disqualified before Election Day, Dadulla said the commission may issue show cause orders based on valid complaints. He stressed, however, that accountability does not end when the polls close.
“Candidates proven to have violated election laws may still face charges even after the election,” he said. “The conclusion of the campaign period does not shield anyone from legal consequences.”
Comelec is appealing to the public to take a more proactive role in defending the integrity of the electoral process.
“Protecting the credibility of our elections isn’t the Comelec’s job alone,” Dadulla said. “We all need to reflect on why vote-buying continues to persist. If we want change, it must come from a collective effort.”
Comelec reiterated that it stands ready to act decisively—once the public moves from online discourse to formal, actionable legal steps.
(SHYNNA MAE SESBRENO, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
