ARAYAT, Pampanga- “This is not hearsay, I know the truth because I am a personal witness to this shameless act”.
These are the powerful affirmation bared by 3rd District Board Member Jun Canlas in a press conference held Friday morning, April 12, regarding an alleged vote-buying incident here.
Canlas is accusing gubernatorial candidate Jomar Hizon to be giving away campaign stubs through the help of his barangay coordinators in Barangay Bitas.
The Board Member even showed stubs containing Hizon’s picture and name that came from residents themselves that received chicken meat in exchange to influence them for the upcoming May 2019 midterm elections.
“Based on the statement of the witnesses, the residents were advised to attend the assembly in the covered court. They were instructed to keep the stubs and stay for the distribution as soon as Hizon finishes his speech,” Canlas added.
Canlas also mentioned that this kind of activity is no longer new to the Hizons considering he has worked against them during his post as vice- mayor of Bacolor in 2010.
“I live in Bacolor. I’ve witnessed how they run this kind of system. I think it’s about time to put a stop to it,” Canlas declared.
Meanwhile, Acting Provincial Election Supervisor Fernando F. Cot-Om also reiterated the implementing laws in relation to vote- buying.
“Vote buying is a serious election case, if proven guilty, the accused will be filed a penalty of disqualification and imprisonment since it’s a criminal case,” Cot-om said.
Vote buying is a prohibited act under Article 22 Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines which does not allow the use of money or anything of value to induce anyone or the public, in general, to vote for a certain candidate.
Cot-om also reminded the candidates to follow the proper campaign procedures for the remaining campaign days.
“Do not use money and goods to attract supporters. Woo them with your plans and let them decide,” Cot-om furthered. — LUISSE RUTAO