Comelec says reports of violence, vote buying rising ahead of barangay, youth polls

May 13, 2018

Less than 24 hours before the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections,  reports of vote buying, violence, and misinformation have increased, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

In a hasty press conference Sunday, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said they have confirmed some 20 election-related violence incidents.

Jimenez said some areas have requested to be placed under Comelec control.

“Their evaluation is still ongoing,” said Jimenez, who refused to name these areas.

If an area is placed under the Comelec, the commission en banc will have direct control and supervision over it.

Jimenez said there is massive misinformation that voting less persons will invalidate the ballot.

“For example for councilmen, you can vote for one, two, six, or even all seven or no one and it still won’t invalidate your ballot,” said Jimenez. DMS