Massive vote-buying in Ilocos Norte?

LAOAG CITY (April 24) – Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Joel Gines has revealed that alleged vote-buying is a ‘perennial problem’ in Ilocos Norte based on past records.

Gines, who is newly assigned here,  said that since the start of the campaign period last March, his office has received countless reports of alleged vote-buying. However, he admitted that Comelec could not act on these allegations because of lack of sufficient evidence against a candidate or  supporter who may be accused of vote-buying.

He said that massive vote-buying is more rampant in areas where opposing candidates are considered strong.

Gines also revealed that he received information that first and second wave of alleged vote buying has already commenced in some areas. (Theo S. Guiang)