7 hours ago
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A LAWMAKER running for reelection in Pangasinan has sought the intervention of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on the alleged massive vote-buying amounting to P3,000 per voter in the province's sixth district.
Reelectionist Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas of Pangasinan's sixth district has filed separate formal letter complaint with Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil on what she claimed as massive, coordinated vote-buying operations reportedly being carried out in the municipalities of Rosales, Balungao, and Asingan.
In her letter dated April 29, 2025, Agabas cited reports that political leaders associated with Gilbert Estrella, a congressional candidate in the sixth district of Pangasinan and son of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.
"This vote-buying operation has become an open secret in our district," the letter-complaint read.
"Such brazen and organized efforts to buy votes seriously undermine the credibility of our elections and violate the people's right to freely choose their leaders," it added.
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Petitioner pointed out that despite the widespread knowledge of the alleged illegal activities, the police and the Comelec have yet to take any action.
"I urge immediate countermeasures to put a stop to this blatant assault on the people's will," Agabas said.
The petitioner claimed that many residents were aware of what was happening but were afraid to file complaints out of fear of retaliation.
She called on the Comelec and the PNP to ensure protection for potential witnesses and to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation.
"I strongly urge the Comelec and the PNP to take swift, decisive action — investigate these incidents, identify those responsible, and file the appropriate criminal charges," she added. "We must not allow the sacred right of our people to freely choose their leaders to be stolen."
Agabas also urged Garcia and Marbil to file criminal charges against individuals who own or allow the use of their homes and facilities as venues for vote buying.
