SEVENTEEN vote buying/selling cases have already been filed at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) relative to the conduct of the May 2022 polls.

Acting Comelec Spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said there are already 17 docketed verified complaint-affidavit for vote buying/selling at the Law Department.

"All 17 cases are undergoing requisite preliminary investigation," said Laudiangco.

He said they are not ruling out the possibility of the number of cases still increasing in the future.

"We have to remember that the prescription period for election offenses is five years from date of commission. So, cases may still be filed," he explained.

Aside from the 17 cases filed, the poll official said more than 100 "concerns" have been brought before the "Task Force Kontra Bigay."

The inter-agency task force was formed in a bid to hasten actions of the government in holding individuals engaged in vote buying accountable.

"The total number of concerns acted upon/responded to is 113 out of 113," said Laudiangco.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, vote buying refers to any person who gives, offers, or promises money or anything of value in order to induce anyone to vote for or against any candidate.

It is considered an election offense, which carries the penalty of one to six years imprisonment, disqualification to hold public office, and removal of right to vote. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)