Disqualification case filed against the group list group for the purchase of votes

Manila, the Philippines-has presented a case of disqualification before the Elections Commission (COMELEC) against the Solidarity Group of Construction Workers (CWS) for the alleged purchase of votes.

The petition, presented on Tuesday by ViceAlcalde de Mataas Na Kahoy, Jay Manalo, also sought the disqualification of headline Partylist Rep.edwin Gardiola.

The complaint emerged from “Barakofest 2025” held in the city of Lipa, Batangas, from February 13 to 15, 2025, where the CWS paratilist supposedly made a “last to remove her hands outside the challenge”, granting three new Toyota vehicles VIOS as awards as prizes.

Ilagan, who also postulates for the vicobberist of Batangas, said in his request that the award of new cars of three CWS frameworks was in a violation of the omnibus election code (OEC) because it constitutes an attempt to influence voters, which, which It is a clear act of purchase of votes.

The CWS is a group list group, he said, it was already covered by the campaign period of 90 days prior to the May 12 elections.

The petitioner cited section 261 (a) of the OEC, which explicitly prohibits candidates and political parties to give money or elements of value to influence voters to support them.

As additional evidence, the complaint includes a statement allegedly made by the candidate for government of Batangas, Vilma Santos-Recto, where according to the reports he said: “Ngayon, Tatlong Kotse Ang Ibinigay Po or Congressman … CWS 135.”

The statement, according to the petitioner, was added evidence that would demonstrate that the respondents violated the law against the purchase of votes, an electoral crime punishable by disqualification and imprisonment.

The Omnibus Elections Code (OEC) and the Law of the Republic (RA) 7166, which provides the synchronization of elections for national and local officials in the Philippines, establish specific limits on how much candidates and political parties can spend during an electoral campaign .

According to the law, candidates for senators, congressmen, local officials without a political party, can only spend a maximum of P5 per registered voter, and if it is supported by a political party, the limit is P3 per voter registered in the constituency.

Independent candidates can also spend up to ₱ 5 per voter registered in their respective constituency.

Political parties can spend ₱ 5 by voter registered in the constituencies where they have official candidates. This amount is separated from the expenditure limits of the candidates.