MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has formed task forces in several areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to intensify its campaign against vote-buying ahead of the Sept. 14 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE).

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said Thursday that the task forces were created to demonstrate the poll body’s commitment to addressing vote-buying and other election-related violations, with just over two weeks before the polls.

“Your Commission on Elections – led by our Executive Director acting as the Project Management Office (PMO) – has established task forces across various provinces and in the two cities of the Bangsamoro region (Cotabato City and Basilan) to intensify the campaign against vote-buying,” Garcia said.

“We want to demonstrate that we do not waver or delay in addressing the issue of vote-buying,” he added.

Vote-buying is prohibited under Section 261 (a) and (b) of the Omnibus Election Code. Violators face one to six years’ imprisonment, disqualification from public office, and deprivation of the right to vote.

The law defines vote-buying as giving, offering, or promising money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, to induce a person to vote for or against a candidate.

Garcia warned candidates and their supporters against engaging in the practice, saying the Comelec would act immediately once it receives evidence or a complaint.

“As for those planning to engage in vote-buying, intending to release funds solely for that purpose, go ahead and do it. However, the moment we see a video or receive a complaint, we will take immediate action,” Garcia said.

He said the Comelec may withhold the proclamation of a candidate upon receiving a complaint, even before a final decision is issued.

“It is within our authority, upon receiving a complaint, to withhold the proclamation of a candidate, even before a final decision is reached. In fact, we have already taken such measures in the past. It would be unfortunate if you ended up regretting it later on,” he added.

Garcia also pointed to previous Comelec actions involving the cancellation of a political party’s registration and the disqualification of candidates for violations of campaign rules.

“This means we will not hesitate to disqualify candidates, cancel registrations, or disqualify sectoral organizations if we observe violations of our basic campaign requirements,” he said.

The BPE is scheduled for Sept. 14, 2026, with voters in the BARMM set to elect members of the Bangsamoro Parliament.

PNA