Comelec urges Congress to legalize pre-poll money ban

MANILA - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday asked lawmakers to pass a law that will impose money ban for a specific period prior to Election Day to curb vote-buying.

“Our resolution is already a matter of public record. We believe it will be a good starting point (for lawmakers). And if we get invited for a working group, we hope to discuss it further and see how we can improve it,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.

Comelec Resolution 9688 tried to limit cash possession days before and during the 2013 midterm elections but the Supreme Court (SC) stopped it through a status quo ante order (SQAO).

The resolution was aimed at preventing the withdrawal of over P100,000 per day as well as transportation of more than P500,000 or its equivalent in any foreign currency from May 8 to May 13, 2013.

The SC declined to rule on the legality of the Comelec order since the polls were over although it asked Congress to weigh on the resolution.

“In other words, Congress can very well act to consider the required measures for future elections, thus rendering unnecessary further action on the merits of the assailed money ban resolution at this point,” the SC said.

Vote-buying, which carries disqualification from public office as punishment, is defined by the Omnibus Election Code as “giving, offering or promising money or anything of value directly or indirectly, in order to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate.”