MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has launched its Committee on Kontra Bigay campaign against vote-buying and vote-selling in the coming midterm polls. 

Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. said the committee is a "fortified version" of the Kontra Bigay Task Force during the 2022 elections.

“We fortified, we introduced stronger safeguards, clearer regulations and stricter enforcement mechanisms.  This will ensure that no candidate or party subvert the will of the people especially through the innocent use of state resources,” Maceda said in a press conference on Friday.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said that as far as he can remember, there was only one incident of vote-buying that resulted in conviction and imprisonment of person involved.

According to Garcia, vote sellers and buyers can face a 1 to 6 years imprisonment and disqualification for candidates.

“Again, tatanungin nyo kami may nakulong na ba dahil sa vote buying? Madami kaming na-prosecute pero hindi to the point na naipapakulong - meron lang isa na nangyaring ganyan…pero madami kaming dinisqualify…governor nga eh - dinisqualify namin hindi dahil sa vote buying pero dahil sa use of state resources,” Garcia said.

The Comelec also announced its decision to ban distribution of financial assistance or "ayuda" from government agencies 10 days before the election.

This include the distribution of TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), DSWD’s Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), and 4Ps.

Comelec will also implement a "money ban" two days before the election and on election day.

Comelec said during this period, it shall be prohibited to possess, transport and/or carry cash exceeding P500,000 along with campaign paraphernalia.

According to Comelec, there is an exemption to this ban which shall not apply to persons who by the nature of their duty, profession, business or occupation as cashiers or disbursing officers, transport or carry cash exceeding the said amount of cash provided that they have proper documentation.

PNP chief Police Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil who also signed the agreement for the campaign, said it will ensure safe midterm elections.

“That’s the reason po na na-extend po ako, nothing else…just to really make sure na yung eleksyon po…let us make 2025 mid-year election, the safest election in the Philippines. Ito po makakakita talaga kayo ng mahigpit na PNP- hindi namin talaga papayagan ang vote buying,” Marbil promised.

Representatives of e-wallet platforms G-Cash and Maya who were also present during the launching of Kontra Bigay expressed full support to the initiative.

“We had in the past augmented and enhanced our parameters for the existing rules for example on AML (Anti-Money Laundering), also enhanced our education communications so that our users…we also have that obligation to protect them against being subjected to some new rules during the campaign period. We will be aligning with Comelec’s program, we will be guided by more detailed rules from our typical regulators,” Cef Sison, chief regulatory officer of G-Cash said.

Toff Rada, group head for government and regulatory affairs of Maya, expressed its commitment to the program.

“What’s important is close coordination with the Comelec and law authorities…we look forward to continuing that baka mapaigting pa natin for this election. We have to see those signals…para we can take appropriate action against these perpetrators…we are in full support on Committee on Kontra Bigay and we are here to express our commitment against vote buying and vote selling,” Rada said.