Betting on election winners prohibited

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned the public not to bet on who’s going to be the country’s next president or they will be charged of violating the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).

“To those who are fond of betting, do not gamble because if you bet on Candidate X and it is proven that you have committed a gambling offense, Candidate X will be punished," said Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento.

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He said the offense is punishable of one to six years imprisonment and the removal of the offender’s right of suffrage.

Filipinos are known to take their luck on card games, basketball games, cock fights, horse races and even on spider matches.

The Comelec official explained that betting based on monetary considerations are not the only ones barred but “anything of value”.

Article 12 Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code states that “any person who bets or wagers upon the outcome of the election” may face an election offense.

Sarmiento added that all money or thing of value put up as a bet or wager shall be forfeited to the government.

He noted that a complaint should be filed before the commission, just like in other election offenses, for them to act accordingly. (FP/Sunnex)