The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reaffirmed on Sunday, May 11, that police officers have the authority to arrest vote buyers without a warrant during the election period, citing constitutional and Supreme Court backing.
In an interview with dZBB, Comelec Chairperson Erwin Garcia emphasized that law enforcement officers are protected in such actions, particularly when they catch individuals in vote buying.
He explained that the 1987 Constitution and various Supreme Court rulings authorize warrantless arrests in cases where a crime is committed in flagrante delicto, or caught in the act.
“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.
The Comelec has been vocal in its crackdown on election-related crimes. Garcia emphasized the urgency of such actions, saying, “Ang ating instruction sa PNP, bilang aming deputized agent, na kinakailangan pigilan natin ang pamimili ng boto. Mang-aresto tayo ng mga tao kahit walang warrant of arrest sapagkat ‘yan ay tahasang krimen na ginagawa sa ating mga harapan.”
As of May 8, the Comelec Committee on Kontra Bigay reported over 400 complaints of vote-buying, vote-selling, and the abuse of state resources in the lead-up to Eleksyon 2025. On the other hand, the PNP documented five cases of vote-buying nationwide as of Saturday.
Garcia also warned of severe consequences for those found guilty, including imprisonment and “perpetual disqualification to hold public office.”
The statement comes as the Philippines intensifies efforts to curb illegal electoral activities before the upcoming elections. (TCSP)
