Warrantless Arrest Vote Buyers: Comelec’s Strong Call
A day before the 2025 national and local elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest vote buyers caught in the act—even without a warrant. This firm stance aims to curb illegal vote buying ahead of the crucial polls.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia assured the public that police officers enforcing warrantless arrests against vote buyers will be protected. He explained that such arrests are allowed by law, citing the 1987 Constitution and Supreme Court decisions.
“Allowed ang warrantless arrest sapagkat ‘yan mismo ay pinapayagan ng 1987 Constitution at ‘yung mga desisyon ng Korte Suprema, lalo pa kung ‘yung aarestuhin mo ay caught in flagrante delicto o ‘yun bang caught in the act sa harapan mismo ang krimen,” Garcia said in a radio interview. This means police can act immediately when they catch someone red-handed committing a crime.
Instructions to PNP and Legal Consequences
Garcia emphasized the Comelec’s directive to the PNP, their deputized agents, to stop vote buying at all costs. “Mang-aresto tayo ng mga tao kahit walang warrant of arrest sapagkat ‘yan ay tahasang krimen na ginagawa sa ating mga harapan,” he added.
Those found selling votes also face arrest and can be imprisoned for up to six years. Moreover, Garcia reminded the public that being charged with vote buying or selling carries more than jail time—it includes perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
He encouraged citizens to help by recording videos of vote buyers and sellers as evidence.
Reports and Enforcement Updates
In February, the Comelec issued a resolution allowing law enforcers to make warrantless arrests of vote buyers and sellers caught in the act. Since then, the Comelec Committee on Kontra Bigay has received over 400 reports related to vote buying, vote selling, and misuse of government resources linked to Eleksyon 2025.
Meanwhile, the PNP has documented five vote-buying cases across various regions nationwide as of early May, showing ongoing efforts to enforce election laws.
For more updates and information on Eleksyon 2025, the public is encouraged to follow official election coverage and resources.