ILOILO – The May 12 midterm elections in this province concluded without any reported incidents of election-related violence or vote-buying on election day, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) – Iloilo Provincial Office.
Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Reinier Layson confirmed that Comelec had not received any reports of untoward incidents from any of the City and Municipal Election Offices across the province’s 43 local government units (LGUs).
“We are pleased to report that no election-related violent incidents were reported throughout the province since voting began in the early morning of Monday until the close of polls,” Layson told Panay News.
Comelec attributed the smooth conduct of the polls to the strong cooperation of candidates, their leaders, and supporters who heeded the call for clean and orderly campaigning.
“Definitely, the commitment of our candidates and their supporters to abide by Comelec rules and to avoid resorting to dirty tactics played a major role in the peaceful outcome of the elections,” Layson added.
Layson also reported that from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on election day, no formal complaints regarding vote-buying were filed with his office.
He acknowledged, however, that there were earlier reports of alleged vote-buying circulating on social media in the days leading up to May 12, although none had been substantiated or formally lodged.
“We did receive a few reports of vote-buying before election day, but they were very minimal and mostly unverified,” he said. “On election day itself, there were no complaints submitted.”
Layson emphasized that once Comelec or law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) monitor suspected vote-buying activities in any locality, they immediately respond and conduct investigations. If the allegations are proven, Comelec is ready to assist in the filing of charges.
He reiterated Comelec’s call for continued adherence to electoral rules as the final phase of canvassing and proclamation of winners progresses./PN
