Ballot’s sanctity must be protected– CHR

DOUBLE-CHECK. Verifiers of the Commission on Elections inspect printed ballots for the May 12 national and local elections at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City on Thursday (Feb. 13, 2025). (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) highlighted the importance of protecting the sanctity of the ballots in the upcoming midterm polls.

For CHR, the Senate bill that sought to strengthen Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code by explicitly defining cyber vote-buying and vote-selling is a step towards that.

“Vote-buying and vote-selling have long undermined the democratic process,” the CHR said in a statement on Wednesday.

“It is imperative to protect the sanctity of the ballot and ensure that electoral choices are made free from monetary influence, safeguarding the future of our nation in the hands of genuine public servants,” it added.

The CHR then voiced its strong support for Senate Bill No. 2664 filed by Sen. Grace Poe last year, as it sought the bill’s swift passage.

“The CHR commends Senator Grace Poe for championing this legislation and urges its swift passage,” CHR said.

Poe’s bill sought to expand the definition of vote-buying and vote-selling to cover transactions conducted through electronic means, including websites, software, online banking, and money remittance applications.

Under this bill, offenders face imprisonment of six to 10 years, without the possibility of probation.

“The CHR supports this measure as it reinforces the integrity of every Filipino’s right to vote,” the commission said.

It also noted that it is in line with Article XXI, Section 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which upholds every citizen’s right to universal and equal suffrage.

“It is a significant step toward ensuring a cleaner, more transparent and more credible electoral process—even in the digital sphere,” it added.