Malanyaon’s party-mate resorts to last minute vote buying

Witnesses say they receive PHP 600 each to vote for Arturo Monday, a candidate for mayor. (davaotoday.com photo by John Rizle L. Saligumba)

Jeffrey (not his real name) said his wife and the rest of the 1,700 residents in their village were also given the same amount each by one Elisa Madulog at around 11 AM Sunday.  “They prepared a list of those who will vote and who will not,” he said.

By JOHN RIZLE L. SALIGUMBA
Davao Today

BAGANGA, Davao Oriental, Philippines – A 30 year-old resident from Salincomot village this town confessed of receiving PHP 600 from a village official in a bid to win a vote for “Turok” or Arturo Monday, a candidate for mayor.

Jeffrey (not his real name) said his wife and the rest of the 1,700 residents in their village were also given the same amount each by one Elisa Madulog at around 11 AM Sunday.  “They prepared a list of those who will vote and who will not,” he said.

Monday is part of Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon’s party lineup.

With this, Jeffrey believes the highest chief executive in the province is involved in this alleged vote buying.  “Kay kinsa man diay na gikan ang kwarta (where would this money come from)?,” he said.

Jeffrey also shared that just this month, rice and G.I. (galvanized iron) sheets were also distributed.

“Molinya ka sa opisina ni Monday para makakuha kag stub.  Gabii nila na gipasulod (You have to queue outside Monday’s office to get a stub.  That happens at night),” the witness said.

Jeffrey said vote buying is “a usual practice” in their area.

“They have been doing this for several elections already.  Last election we received 500 pesos, now it has increased to 600 and next election, I think, it will be 700 pesos,” he said.

Because he received the money, he said he will vote for Monday.  “I will vote for him in the fifth position as Mayor,” the witness said in jest.

Election Supervisor Sergio Manligoy, in an interview by davaotoday.com, said “Mahitabo man jud na (ang vote buying).  Kinahanglan mag-file sila og affidavit para maaksyonan (That’s expected to happen.  They just have to file an affidavit so that we can act on it.)”

A team from poll watchdog Kontra Daya assigned in Davao Oriental has also responded to reports of vote-buying in Lambajon village.  It reported that PHP 500 pesos was given each to residents listed on a piece of paper by a village functionary named Boning “Boyak” Banyok.

Local residents said, according to Kontra Daya, the list is for those who would be paid for voting Monday.   (John Rizle L. Saligumba/davaotoday.com)