Fernando steps up to combat vote buying in Bulacan
CITY OF MALOLOS – Bulacan Govenor Daniel R. Fernando spearheaded the launching of a multi-sectoral anti-vote buying campaign in the Province of Bulacan today to help combat vote-buying and ensure an orderly, peaceful, fair, and inclusive elections in the run up to the May 9, 2022 national and local polls.
The launching ceremonies dubbed “Our Vote, Our Future.” was attended by representatives from government agencies, civil society groups, religious groups, academe, youth organizations and the candidates aspiring for different elected positions who are committed to support the anti-vote buying and anti-vote selling campaign.
Fernando said that the overwhelming support shown by the various sectors and the candidates to the anti-vote buying campaign is an indication of the greater participation of the electorate in making sure that the upcoming elections will be reflective of the true will of the people.
“I call on the people of Bulacan to be vigilant on the activities of the candidates who are aspiring for different elected positions in the upcoming elections.Vote buying undermines the democratic process and puts our future in great danger,” Fernando stressed.
He also reminded Bulakenyos that the Province of Bulacan, being the cradle of the First Philippine Republic, should practice democracy just as our ancestors fought for our liberty; having the privilege and freewill to choose who we elect to govern us into progress.
This launch is set against the backdrop of numerous reports of early vote buying and vote selling which pose a massive threat and should not be encouraged under any circumstances especially that it shows disregard to the democratic norms and most importantly, it highly affect the integrity of the province.
The multi-sectoral anti-vote buying campaign is an initiative of the Provincial Governor with its partner government agencies,multi-sectoral groups, and the candidates themselves.
Part of the campaign will be an aggressive voter awareness education on the important aspects of the elections and the action that are prohibited to guide the electorate in the democratic process.
He called on the public to report to the Comelec or the Philippine National Police (PNP), the military and other law enforcement agencies whatever activities of politicians and their supporters that will translate to vote buying so that appropriate charges will be filed against those who will be involved in the illegal activity.
According to the omnibus election code, an individual found guilty of vote buying could be imprisoned for a minimum of one year and a maximum of six years aside from perpetually being disqualified to hold public office that will surely put an end to their political career.
Fernando holds high hopes that once the multi-sectoral anti-vote buying campaign will be successful, other areas in the country will surely replicate the same in their areas to contribute in unrelenting and uncompromising efforts to possibly eradicate rampant vote during the conduct of elections. ###