SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has filed a complaint against reelectionist Mayor Vilma Caluag over alleged vote-buying during the October 2023 barangay elections in the city.
Comelec Region 3 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Elmo Duque led the filing on Tuesday, April 8. Also included in the complaint are Caluag’s husband, Melchor Caluag, former barangay captain of Barangay Dolores, and Julmar Mercado.
The complaint alleges that during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on October 30, 2023, residents of Barangay Dolores were given cash to vote for Melchor Caluag and Mercado, who were running for barangay captain and councilor, respectively.
According to Duque, the money was reportedly distributed under the guise of payouts for the city’s Sanitation Program.
If found guilty, the accused may face imprisonment of one to six years, disqualification from voting, and a lifetime ban from holding public office.
The complaint was filed by Alvin Garcia, a resident of Barangay Dolores.
As of posting, the Caluag family has yet to issue a statement.