CAMP OLIVAS — Two days before the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (SBKE) on Monday, a 52-year-old businessman running for barangay kagawad was arrested for alleged vote buying in Bulacan.
The candidate was identified as Danilo Sebastian, a businessman and an independent barangay kagawad candidate and resident of No. 309 Gulod St., Bgy. Bagong Barrio, Pandi, Bulacan.
Police said Sebastian yielded cash amounting to P35,840 in different denominations, DSWD general intake sheets, and sample ballots.
The suspect is now under the custody of the regional Comelec office and in coordination with Gina Llave, Election Officer IV of Pandi, Bulacan.
PRO3 Director Jose Hidalgo Jr. stressed the commitment of the Central Luzon police to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming elections and reminded the public that vote buying is an election offense, punishable by one to six years of imprisonment.
Hidalgo added that this arrest underscores the dedication of law enforcement agencies to maintain the fairness and legality of the electoral process, ensuring that the public can exercise their voting rights without interference or manipulation.