Authorities arrested a woman in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, for allegedly carrying P1.65 million cash amid the election money ban. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to enforce rules against vote-buying during the election period.
Woman caught carrying large cash
The Police Regional Office III (PRO3) reported that the woman was stopped Saturday at a Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion West. Upon inspection, officers found a partially opened eco-bag filled with P1,000 bills. The suspect admitted that the bag contained P1.65 million in cash.
Violating election money ban rules
She faces charges for violating Section 28 of Comelec Resolution No. 11104. This rule bans anyone from possessing, transporting, or carrying over P500,000 in cash during the election period, as it may be presumed to be an attempt at vote-buying.
Specifically, the resolution states, “Possessing, transporting and/or carrying cash exceeding Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) or its equivalent in any foreign currency, along with campaign paraphernalia and/or corroborated evidence during the period of two (2) days before an election and on election day, except those authorized persons as stated in Section 28 of this Resolution,” is prohibited.
Ensuring fair and secure elections
PRO3 Director Brigadier General Jean Fajardo emphasized the seriousness of carrying large sums of money during elections. “Ang pagkakasabat ng malaking halaga ng salapi sa gitna ng election period ay seryosong bagay na hindi natin maaaring ipagsawalang-bahala. Mahigpit ang direktiba ng ating pamunuan na tiyakin ang integridad ng halalan—dapat itong maging patas, malinis, at ligtas,” he said.
Comelec reports numerous vote-buying cases
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections revealed that its Committee on Kontra Bigay has received over 400 reports of vote-buying, vote-selling, and abuse of state resources for Eleksyon 2025. These efforts aim to keep the elections transparent and credible.
Election Day is scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025. For more updates and related news, visit the Eleksyon 2025 microsite.