78 vote-buying complaints filed, 42 show-cause orders issued in Bicol

VOTED. Commission on Elections (Comelec) 5 (Bicol) Director Ma. Juana Valeza casts her vote at the Rawis Elementary School in Legazpi City, Albay on May 12, 2025. Comelec-5 said Wednesday (May 21, 2025) it has filed 78 complaints under its anti-vote-buying “Kontra Bigay” campaign, and issued 42 show-cause orders related to the recent national and local elections. (Photo courtesy of Jane Valeza)

LEGAZPI CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bicol has filed 78 complaints and issued 42 show-cause orders related to alleged vote-buying incidents during the recent national and local elections under its “Kontra Bigay” campaign.

Comelec Region 5 Director Ma. Juana Valeza said Wednesday that the intensified campaign has significantly raised public awareness and encouraged more citizens to report violations.

“This election cycle has seen a substantial increase in complaints, leading to numerous show-cause orders. People are now more aware and more confident in filing cases against violators,” Valeza said in an interview.

She said the 78 complaints would undergo preliminary investigation by the Comelec’s Kontra Bigay Committee at its central office in Manila. Subpoenas will be issued to the respondents, who must submit their comments within 15 days.

“If probable cause is established, election offense cases will be filed. These could lead to disqualification, and if the respondents are found guilty beyond reasonable doubt, penalties range from one to six years in prison without the possibility of probation,” she said. “They would also be permanently disqualified from holding public office and lose their right to vote.”

The 42 individuals or groups who received show-cause orders are still under review, she added.

“We will submit our findings and recommendations to the Kontra Bigay Committee to determine whether formal cases should be filed,” Valeza said, expressing confidence in a high conviction rate.

She also addressed concerns about glitches in the automated counting machines (ACMs), assuring the public that issues were promptly resolved.
“Out of more than 5,000 ACMs in Bicol, only 46 malfunctioned. We had contingency units ready, and all problems were addressed immediately,” she said.

Thanks to the efficiency of the ACMs, Valeza noted, the winners in the region’s six provinces were proclaimed within one and a half days after the polls.

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