Cordi Comelec head ordered: Probe Dalog on vote-buying case

By Gina Dizon

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Regional Comelec Director Julius Torres was directed by the law department of the Commission of Elections to conduct preliminary investigation on a criminal case earlier filed against Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog on alleged vote buying last election period.

Comelec directors of the law department lawyers Ferdinand Rafanan and Josllyn Demesa, including Gregorio Saraos directed Torres to terminate the investigation, “within 20 days after receipt of the counter affidavit of respondent, and render a resolution within five days”.

The memorandum dated June 21, 2010 informed Torres of Dalog’s alleged violation of section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Vote-buying under section 261 of the omnibus Election Code involves, ”making or offering to incur similar selection process of a political party.”

A letter-complaint filed by private complainant Salvador Liked alleged that Dalog committed “acts of fraud, corruption, vote buying and early campaigning in violation of election laws”, and called for "sanctions” against the respondent.

Liked claimed that Dalog violated election laws as early as late quarter of 2009, and allegedly used government funds to purchase materials to woo votes in favor of himself in the recent elections.

Complainant alleged that with public funds, Dalog caused the printing of hand wash soaps and streamers showing his face and name during the election period; caused the purchase of canvass tents with acronyms MBD (Maximize Benefits of Development) which are initials of Dalog; caused the purchase and distribution of monoblock chairs bearing his (Dalog) name and caused the printing and purchase of T-shirts for senior citizens and barangay Day Care and health workers.

Such acts, “to purchase, manufacture, distribute or accept electoral propaganda gadgets such as pens, lighters fans of whatever nature , flashlights, athletic goods, or materials wallets, shirts, hats, hats, bandanas, matches, cigarettes, and the like” are considered unlawful under election laws, Liked said.

Any person found guilty of any election offense under the Omnibus Election Code is punished with imprisonment of not less than six years but not more than 12 years; and shall also suffer perpetual disqualification to hold public office.