Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Aimee Ferolino has been named as the chairperson of the “Task Force Kontra Bigay”, an inter-agency body that will tackle vote-buying complaints.
“Commissioner Ferolino is a very brave commissioner, she is the vice chairman of security personnel exemption, she is also the chairman of various committees such as the shipping committee. She has a vast experience in the field because she previously served as a field official before she was appointed in the Comelec,” Commissioner George Erwin Garcia told reporters on Wednesday.
Prior to her appointment by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2020, Ferolino formerly served as Davao del Norte provincial election supervisor.
“She will immediately convene task force meetings and draft the necessary additional guidelines and at the same time implement the Comelec’s mandate to either motu proprio or to accept complaints regarding vote-buying,” he added.
Aside from the Comelec, the task force is composed of the Department of Justice, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Once the task force has been activated, Garcia earlier said vote buying complaints can be filed at the Comelec’s Law Department or in any local Comelec offices.
Meanwhile, Garcia said the second presidential debate set on April 3 will be “more exciting”.
“There will be changes in the debate format this Sunday. Expect more clash of wits and the passions will be high among themselves,” he added.
Responding to comments that the debates organized by the poll body are boring, Garcia said the poll body just wants to give everyone due time and exposure.
“Maybe the format is boring to some viewers/listeners but at least its fair to all.”
Garcia said the tandem of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte, who skipped the first presidential and vice presidential debates, has yet to send a notice regarding their attendance to the second debate, which will also be held at the Sofitel Harbor Tent in Pasay City.
Source: Philippines News Agency
