The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has recorded five cases of vote-buying nationwide.
At the News Forum, PNP Public Information Office Chief Police Col. Randulf Tuaño said the recorded cases of vote-buying included “pagbibigay ng mga groceries, tinatawag natin na ayuda na kung saan ang pagbibigay ng ayuda or ‘yung mga kauri nito, ‘yung mga TUPAD etc… pinagbabawal ito 10 days before elections.”
PNP reported that vote-buying incidents were recorded in several regions ahead of the upcoming elections. According to their monitoring, five cases were documented across Region I (Ilocos), Region IV-A (Calabarzon), Region V (Bicol), Region XI (Davao), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Authorities are continuing their investigation into these cases as part of efforts to ensure clean and honest elections.
“At sa five cases na ito na nangyari ang tao pong suspects na nafile-an ng kaso ay 18,” Tuaño said.
The police agency has identified several acts presumed to constitute vote-buying and vote-selling. These include the possession, transportation, or carrying of cash exceeding ₱500,000, particularly when accompanied by campaign materials, within two days before or during election day.
Authorities also flagged the giving or distribution of aid or “ayuda,” as well as the presence of long lines of registered voters receiving money or grocery items—acts suspected of influencing individuals to vote for or against a particular candidate.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has scheduled Election Day on Monday, May 12. Polling precincts across the country will open early at 5 a.m. to accommodate senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant voters, allowing them to vote ahead of the general public.
This special window will run until 7 a.m., after which regular voting hours will begin. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., all registered voters may proceed to their designated polling stations to participate in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
The early opening aims to ensure a more convenient and comfortable voting experience for vulnerable sectors.