HIGH ranking officials of the church and government have forewarned voters against vote-buying and vote-selling in Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) since these acts are considered immoral.
Bishop Alberto Uy of the Tagbilaran diocese said that vote-buying is immoral since this act “undermines the democratic processes.”
Congresswoman Vanessa C. Aumentado (2nd district, Bohol) in her facebook post reminded voters to cast vote wisely.
She urged the voters to elect those who are really qualified to steer their respective barangays and she pins high hopes that the BSKE will be peaceful and honest exercise of suffrage.
Bishop Uy cited grounds why vote-buying is immoral aside from “weakening the democratic process” of the community.
He said that vote-buying and vote-selling “compromises fairness and equality” as it also “undermines the legitimacy of the elected officials.”
Vote-buying and vote-selling “encourages corruption, disregards informed decision-making and undermines social cohesion,” he said.
The prelate cited as an example the Kontra Bigay sa Piniliay drive launched by Jagna town.
Candijay town also launched similar campaign dubbed, “Way Hatagay sa Candijay.”
The Kontra Bigay in Jagna was attended by the local government unit led by Mayor Joseph Ranola, Vice-Mayor Teofisto Pagar, Bishop Daniel Patrick Parcon and other religious denomination representatives, DILG regional director Leocadio Trovela, provincial director Jerome Gonzales, MLGOO Atty. Anthony Dalida, Col. Jopseh Berondo, who represented provincial director Col Lorenzo Batuan, police chief Major Joseph Lopena, other officials and more than 600 candidates.
Meanwhile, Comelec reminded the people that a liquor ban will be implemented across the province a day before the election day as it also implements other prohibited acts.
The said ban on liquor is based on Comelec Resolution No. 10746 “imposing the prohibition on selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving, or taking intoxicating liquor” during the identified period as part of measures to secure Monday’s BSKE.
“Anyone found violating any of the provisions may face the penalty of imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years without probation,” the Comelec said. (rvo)
