Concerns Over Abuse of State Resources and Vote-Buying
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) recently released its interim report highlighting significant issues in the 2025 Philippine midterm elections. Central to their observation were the abuse of state resources and vote-buying, which remain persistent problems.
During a press briefing in Manila, ANFREL Chairperson Rohana Hettiarachchie, along with other observers, presented their findings. They emphasized that vote-buying and misuse of government resources are “disturbing factors” undermining the integrity of the elections.
“The vote buying, I think it’s public secret now. Everybody knows it is happening across the country, not only this elections, even in the previous elections. It’s a very known factor that has to be addressed because otherwise, it will [give] undue advantage to the people, the candidate, [and] those with financial power. So somehow if we [want to] maintain equal playing field, we have to address this issue,” Hettiarachchie said.
He also pointed out the misuse of public funds and power by some candidates during the election process. “That is also observed throughout the process, in many ways, the government resources being used and taken advantage of [by] some candidates. I think it’s the duty of the Comelec that they need to address this issue,” he added.
Recommendations to Address Election Challenges
To curb these problems, Hettiarachchie suggested implementing a campaign finance ceiling to limit how much candidates can spend during elections. This measure aims to create a more level playing field.
Panelist Khoirunnisa Nur Agustyati noted that vote-buying and state resource abuse occur not just during campaigns but also before and after elections. “It happens long before the elections, pre-election and even after the election because sometimes, it’s like a reward and punishment to the voters. It’s like the candidates who were elected, ‘Okay, I will give you scholarship because you voted for me,’ but the scholarship will not be given to the voters who did not vote for them,” she explained.
Agustyati added that many people see these practices as normal or even legal since they often coincide with the budgeting process. “People think it’s normal and legalized because [it happens] long before the elections,” she said.
Expanding Oversight on Cash Assistance
While acknowledging the efforts of the election commission’s Kontra-Bigay committee, ANFREL stressed the need to widen its scope to include “ayuda” or cash dole-outs. This move would help prevent candidates from using state funds as personal political tools.
“The candidate that has no [state] resources cannot do that. It has become personal politics. It used the state funding, the money is from people’s tax but it was claimed by the candidate,” Agustyati pointed out. She also called for greater transparency in campaign finance documents and urged the passage of a Freedom of Information law to ensure accountability in budgeting, particularly regarding funding for ayuda programs.
Voter Apathy and Political Dynasties
ANFREL also observed voter apathy, especially in areas where candidates run unopposed. Jake Betram Barker, another panelist, connected this trend to entrenched power held by political families and dynasties.
“This is partly, as we noticed, due to endemic issues of power entrenched in political families and dynastic politics,” Barker said. He further mentioned media reports linking party-lists to these dynasties.
With upcoming regional elections, these polls will test existing laws designed to limit political dynasties. Barker emphasized that election authorities and lawmakers should monitor these developments closely and consider enacting a political dynasty law.
Ballot Secrecy and Polling Precinct Management
Election observers also found issues with ballot secrecy and crowd control at polling stations. Hettiarachchie remarked, “In our opinion, the secrecy of ballot, it may not be a big issue in local contest but when it comes to international standards, the secrecy of ballot was not seriously looked at.” He added that although polling areas were organized, crowd management outside polling centers was insufficient.
As a solution, ANFREL recommended increasing the number of polling officials to better manage voters and maintain order.
Election Commission’s Response
In response to the report, the election commission expressed appreciation for the direct and constructive assessment. The chairperson emphasized that legislation is key to addressing these challenges and pledged to implement necessary measures.
Overall, the report highlights the urgent need to address the abuse of state resources and vote-buying to ensure fair and transparent elections in the Philippines moving forward.
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