In Toril, Last-Minute Vote Buying Exposed

May. 14, 2007

By Marilou M. Aguirre
Davao Today

TORIL, Davao City — Some candidates in the city’s Third District had a last minute vote-buying spree in Crossing Bayabas last night.

This is according to Boy, a driver and operator of public utility jeepney. Although Boy provided davaotoday.com with his full name, he request anonymity for fear of his safety.

Boy said that sardines, noodles and rice, including cash ranging from 50 pesos to 150 pesos were given to residents through their purok leaders, provided that they were registered voters of the district. Boy said the purok leaders listed down the residents who were qualified to receive the items.

“Though I live in the area, I was not given the goodies because I was registered in the other district,” Boy said. He admitted, in jest, that he would gladly receive such items if only these were given to him.

Boy cast his votes as early as 7 this morning, choosing local candidates from the city’s First District. His family moved to Toril from Obrero four years ago.

Like other voters, he has simple demands from the candidates who will win this election.

“I’m hoping that they will carry out their platforms. And that they will be visible to the people, campaign period or not,” he said. (Marilou M. Aguirre/davaotoday.com)

comments powered by Disqus