MANILA -- Tension erupted at the barangay hall of Brgy. Niugan in Cabuyao City, Laguna on Friday morning after a woman was allegedly placed under citizen’s arrest for suspected vote-buying.

The woman reportedly used health cards issued by the provincial government bearing the name of Governor Ramil Hernandez.

Angry residents flocked to the barangay hall to confront the woman, who was allegedly caught buying votes in the Southville Subdivision area.

“Hindi kami nagbebenta ng boto kahit kailan, 21 years na ako dito hindi ako nagbebenta ng boto,” said resident Josephine Claridad.

Cabuyao City COMELEC Officer Atty. Ralph Jireh Bartolome rushed to the barangay hall to mediate the situation.

“Mayroon nga nahuli na paraphernalias,lumalabas na ito nga ay parang health cards na may pangalan ni Gov Ramil , yun ang nakita doon sa babae na nahuli supposedly na- citizen’s arrest daw," said Atty. Bartolome.

Around 256 health cards or “blue cards” bearing Governor Hernandez’s name were discovered inside the woman’s bag. The Cabuyao COMELEC confiscated the health cards, saying they could be used as evidence should anyone file a formal complaint.

According to COMELEC, although no actual vote-buying took place at the scene, the situation was still suspicious.

“Ang sinabi ko sa both parties, syempre its unsual na may ganoong  klaseng health cards or paraphernalias na hawak ng isang tao so kinumpiska ko  siya kasi maaari siyang magamit na evidence, sa ating resolution 11104 naman eh bawal kung mayroon mga ganoon mga bagay at maaari pang gamitin para maging vote buying or vote selling,” explained Atty. Bartolome. 

The woman, identified only as “Elsa,” claimed she was merely keeping the health cards for safekeeping but could not clearly explain why they were in her possession or what her actual role was.

“Kukunin ko po yun  para itago para i-safe po. I-safe para sa akin, iuuwi ko sa amin para itabi,” said Elsa.

Since no formal charges could be filed, the COMELEC ordered her release.

COMELEC Cabuyao urged those accusing her of vote-buying to file a formal complaint.

The news team repeatedly attempted to get a statement from Governor Ramil Hernandez, but he has yet to respond.

Hernandez is currently running for congressman of Laguna’s 2nd district.

Last April 21, 22, and 23, COMELEC officers and police also rushed to a warehouse allegedly owned by Governor Hernandez in Barangay Bubuyan, Calamba City, following reports of vote-buying activities.

Residents from Cabuyao were reportedly bused to the warehouse, where they were allegedly given ₱2,000 in exchange for their votes.

Calamba City COMELEC Officer Atty. Mark Nicholai Delmo personally went to the warehouse.

There, he found numerous buses parked and over 500 people gathered inside. However, Atty. Delmo said they encountered a supposed orientation for poll watchers, not an instance of vote-buying.

Still, Atty. Delmo questioned why Cabuyao residents needed to be brought all the way to Calamba and noted that the number of supposed watchers exceeded the allowable limit set by COMELEC.

“Lumalabas para sa isang kandidato  ang allowed number ng maximum na watchers ay 500. Supposedly dapat noon Monday ay dapat tapos na ang Cabuyao and yun din ang banggit sa main ng organizers noon Monday na matatapos na sila  that day pero lumalabas mayroon pa po,” said Atty. Delmo.

“Ang iniisip namin malamang jurisdiction ito ng Calamba, taga-Calamba rin ang andoon. Pero lumalabas po mga taga-Cabuyao yung ino-orient doon. Upon inquiry din sabi po nila mas safe daw para sa watchers nila if outside Cabuyao ginawa, 'yun po ang claim nila.”

The camp of Governor Hernandez declined to grant an interview but sent a photo to the news team showing signage identifying the event as a “campaign coordinators/watchers orientation and training.”

COMELEC Calamba assured the public that they are continuing to investigate the matter.