Binay says vote-buying rampant in provinces

CABANATUAN CITY – “It’s too brazen.”

With these, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday deplored the rampant vote-buying activities by moneyed candidates, particularly in the provinces which undermine the coming electoral exercise this coming Monday.

Speaking to newsmen following a campaign sortie in Nueva Ecija with his daughter, senatorial candidate Nancy, Binay expressed hope that authorities would arrest those engaged in buying of votes.

Binay said in many whistle stops of the United Nationalist Alliance, they have monitored several instances of vote-buying.

He cited an incident in Puerto Princesa where registered voters line up in a gymnasium receiving money from certain candidates. He said he just came from Capiz where giving out of money was being done in the open.

“Where are the police? I hope they enforce the law,” he said.   

Commenting on the money ban imposed by the Commission Elections to prevent voter-buying, Binay said it would affect legitimate businesses. “What will you do with those receiving wages? And those who have pending loan applications? They might not be able to release the loans,” he said.

He said the ban should be reviewed especially with the reaction of the business sector.

At the same time, the Vice President said there is no way Team PNoy of the administration coalition could score a 12-0 sweep of the senatorial race. “Definitely, there will be no 12-0. Not even 9-3. I think we in UNA will bag at least four Senate seats,” he said.

          Binay acknowledged the votes of the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo sect will be crucial, particularly to candidates at the tail-end of the socalled Magic 12. “When you are on the borderline, the INC votes are extremely crucial,” he said. (Manny Galvez)