The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 5 (Bicol) said Wednesday it has filed 78 complaints under its anti-vote-buying “Kontra Bigay” campaign, and issued 42 show-cause orders related to the recent national and local elections.

Comelec-5 Director Ma. Juana Valeza said in an interview that their intensified “Kontra Bigay” campaign has significantly raised public awareness about vote-buying.

“This election cycle has seen a substantial increase in complaints, leading to numerous show cause orders. People are now more aware and more confident in filing cases against violators,” she said.

Valeza said the 78 vote-buying complaints would undergo preliminary investigation by the Kontra Bigay Committee of the Comelec central office in Manila. Subpoenas will be issued to the respondents, requiring them to submit within 15 days their comments on the complaints.

“If probable cause is established, election offense cases will be filed, which may lead to disqualification. If found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by the court, the penalty ranges from one to six years of imprisonment without the possibility of probation. Offenders will also be permanently disqualified from holding public office and will lose their right to vote,” she said.

Meanwhile, Valeza said the 42 individuals or groups that received show-cause orders are under review.

“We will submit our findings and recommendations to the Kontra Bigay Committee to determine whether formal cases should be filed,” she added.

She expressed confidence that the agency would achieve a high conviction rate in many complaints.

Valeza also acknowledged the issues they encountered with the automated counting machines (ACMs), but assured the public that contingency measures were observed and all issues were resolved.

“Out of more than 5,000 ACMs in Bicol, only 46 malfunctioned. We also have contingency ACMs available. Any issues with the ACMs were promptly resolved,” she said.

Owing to the speed and efficiency of the machines, Valeza said, the winning candidates in the six provinces of the region were proclaimed within just one and a half days. (PNA)