ILOILO City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) have partnered to intensify efforts against vote-buying ahead of the May 12, 2025 midterm national and local elections.
On March 1, officials from both agencies launched the Provincial Committee on Kontra Bigay, a province-wide initiative aimed at curbing vote-buying and ensuring fair elections. The event took place at the Eon Centennial Resort Waterfront in Jaro district.
Atty. Renier Layson, Iloilo provincial election supervisor, led the launch, acknowledging that vote-buying remains a significant challenge in Philippine elections.
He discussed the provisions of Comelec Resolution No. 11104, which grants the committee greater authority to enforce stricter measures against electoral fraud, including guidelines to prevent the misuse of government resources during the campaign period.
“The Commission on Elections is fully committed to eliminating vote-buying, which undermines the democratic process. Through the Kontra Bigay campaign, we aim to educate voters and impose stricter penalties on those attempting to buy or sell votes,” said Layson.
IPPO director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan expressed the police’s full support for Comeleec’s anti-vote-buying initiatives.
“Along with over 2,200 Ilonggo cops, I pledge to support this initiative to safeguard the integrity of our elections. The IPPO will collaborate closely with Comelec to ensure secure, peaceful, and credible elections,” said Razalan.
The event was attended by Colonel Manolito Montiel, deputy brigade commander of the 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade of the Philippine Army, as well as representatives from national agencies and non-government organizations based in Iloilo./PN
