Police Regional Office (PRO) 4B (Mimaropa) chief Brig. Gen. Roger Quesada has vowed to intensify the enforcement of the “Kontra Bigay 2.0” campaign to combat electoral bribery in the region ahead of the May 12 elections. 

Quesada directed all police units in Mimaropa, which encompasses Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, to strengthen intelligence monitoring, launch public awareness campaigns, and collaborate closely with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate and address any signs of electoral fraud. 

This comes after Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil ordered all police personnel to enforce and internalize the “Kontra Bigay” campaign, which aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for clean, honest, and fair elections. 

Kontra Bigay 2.0, building on the initial campaign for the October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, shifts focus from public appeals to proactive measures against vote-buying and selling.  

Law enforcement agencies will intensify intelligence monitoring, target the possession or distribution of money, goods, or campaign materials intended to influence voters, and go after organized efforts to manipulate the electoral process through financial transactions. 

Offenders caught in these illegal activities may face immediate warrantless arrest in coordination with the Comelec. 

Quesada cited the PNP’s commitment to democratic integrity, saying, “We will promptly address any illegal transactions undermining our electoral process.”  

Under Article 12 of the Omnibus Election Code, those found guilty of vote-buying or vote-selling face imprisonment of one to six years. 

The Comelec launched the Committee on Kontra Bigay (CKB) in February 2025 to strengthen efforts against vote buying and selling. 

The CKB empowers law enforcement agencies, including the PNP, AFP, and NBI, to conduct surveillance, validate reports, and take decisive action against electoral violations. 

Quesada urged the public to report any instances of vote-buying or vote-selling through official channels, stressing that the success of peaceful, credible, and fair elections depends on the collective commitment of every Filipino.

Vote-buying, a persistent problem in Philippine elections, undermines democratic principles and fuels inequality. 

Despite being illegal under the Omnibus Election Code, the practice thrives across all levels of government, fueled by poverty, weak enforcement, and a culture of patron-client relationships.

Candidates or their intermediaries offer money, goods, or services to voters in exchange for their support. 

This often happens discreetly, especially in the days leading up to elections. 

Vote brokers, trusted individuals within communities, play a key role by compiling voter lists and distributing payments.

Poverty is a major driver, as many voters see accepting money as a way to meet immediate needs. 

The practice is also deeply ingrained in a system of clientelism, where politicians provide favors in exchange for loyalty.

Vote-buying erodes electoral integrity, prioritizing financial power over merit and public service. It increases campaign costs, limiting opportunities for candidates without substantial resources. It also perpetuates social and economic disparities.

Photo: courtesy of Reddit (for illustration purposes only)