Comelec orders ex-chair Sheriff Abas to explain alleged vote buying

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections has ordered its former chairman Sheriff Abas to explain alleged vote buying after photos circulated showing his sample ballots clipped with cash, a day before the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.

Abas, who is running under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party for the First Parliamentary District of Cotabato City, was given 24 hours to submit a written explanation.

The circulating posts showed what appeared to be P3,000 in cash attached to sample ballots bearing Abas’ name.

In its show-cause order, the Comelec’s Committee on Kontra Bigay said the posts could constitute presumed vote buying under Section 261(a) of the Omnibus Election Code, as implemented by Comelec Resolution No. 11104.

“It is the position of this Committee that the foregoing constitutes possible violation of presumed vote buying in violation of Section 261 (a) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 or the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), as implemented by Section 26 of COMELEC Resolution 11104,” the order read.

Under Section 26, possession or delivery of money or other items of value together with sample ballots or other campaign materials may be presumed to constitute vote buying or vote selling.

The show-cause order does not by itself constitute a finding that Abas committed an election offense.

Abas denied the allegation in a Facebook post and called the circulating claims fake news and a smear campaign.

“Walang lugar ang fake news at paninira sa halalan. Kung may alegasyon, idaan sa tamang proseso at sa COMELEC, hindi sa social media,” Abas said.

(“Fake news and smear campaigns have no place in elections. If there are allegations, they should go through the proper process and be brought to Comelec, not social media.”)

“Suriin ang source. I-verify ang impormasyon. Huwag magpakalat ng hindi kumpirmadong balita. Sa halalan, katotohanan at respeto ang pairalin,” he added.

(“Check the source. Verify the information. Do not spread unconfirmed information. In elections, truth and respect should prevail.”)

The show-cause order comes on the eve of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s first parliamentary elections on Monday, September 14.

More than 2.3 million registered voters are expected to elect members of the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament, replacing the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

abtestabtest What Supreme Court's Imelda Marcos acquittal means, and what it doesn't 2 days ago The Supreme Court has overturned Imelda Marcos' seven-count graft conviction over foundations tied to the Marcos family's... Headlines ‘Biased impeach vote likely for absent senator-judges’ By Neil Jayson Servallos | 10 hours ago Senator-judges who missed the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte might end up voting based solely... Headlines Obstruction raps eyed over Bato’s escape By Mark Ernest Villeza | 10 hours ago The National Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Ombudsman are investigating a possible obstruction of justice complaint... Headlines AMLC to confirm P6.7 billion bank transactions of VP, Mans? By Delon Porcalla | 10 hours ago The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is expected to present to the Senate impeachment court today its report on the P6.7... Headlines Sara Duterte's call for Marcos to resign 'self-serving,' says prosecutor 17 hours ago House prosecutor says VP herself would benefit if Marcos steps down. Headlines Latest More in Headlines Around 800 teachers withdraw from BARMM poll duties Speed upidentification of ferry fire victims – President Marcos Cayetanos back from Singapore PGH to submit Romualdez’s medical report to Sandiganbayan abtest ICC sets 3rd status conference on Duterte case By Janvic Mateo | 10 hours ago The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III will hold on Wednesday the third status conference on the crimes... Headlines Gibo to reserve force: Protect Philippines land, maritime domain By Pia Lee-Brago | 10 hours ago Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserve Force to help protect... Headlines Palace: Indian firms to expand in Philippines By Helen Flores | 10 hours ago Several Indian firms committed to expand their operations in the Philippines, including on agricultural technology, health... Headlines House plenary debates on 2027 budget begin this week By Delon Porcalla | 10 hours ago Plenary deliberations on the P7.2-trillion national budget will start this week at the House of Representatives, as lawmakers try to finish the government’s spending bill before the congressional recess next... Headlines Labor group seeks clarity over overlapping NCR wage hike 'chaos' 16 hours ago P85 or P60? A major labor group says DOLE has left workers in wage limbo. Headlines Recommended New witnesses on Taguig infrastructure projects surface – Lacson 10 hours ago New witnesses have approached the Office of the Ombudsman to detail the delivery of “boxes of money” tied to anomalous... HeadlinesOMBUDSMANWITNESSES Obstruction raps eyed over Bato’s escape 10 hours ago The National Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Ombudsman are investigating a possible obstruction of justice complaint... HeadlinesLAW AMLC to confirm P6.7 billion bank transactions of VP, Mans? 10 hours ago The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is expected to present to the Senate impeachment court today its report on the P6.7... HeadlinesIMPEACHMENT ‘Biased impeach vote likely for absent senator-judges’ 10 hours ago Senator-judges who missed the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte might end up voting based solely... HeadlinesIMPEACHMENT Sara Duterte's call for Marcos to resign 'self-serving,' says prosecutor 17 hours ago House prosecutor says VP herself would benefit if Marcos steps down. HeadlinesBONGBONG MARCOSSARA DUTERTESARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENT next Recommended New witnesses on Taguig infrastructure projects surface – Lacson New witnesses have approached the Office of the Ombudsman to detail the delivery of “boxes of money” tied to anomalous infrastructure projects in Taguig, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said yesterday, a day after Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano returned home from Singapore. 10 hours ago OMBUDSMAN WITNESSES Obstruction raps eyed over Bato’s escape The National Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Ombudsman are investigating a possible obstruction of justice complaint over the escape of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from the Senate, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said over the weekend. 10 hours ago LAW AMLC to confirm P6.7 billion bank transactions of VP, Mans? The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is expected to present to the Senate impeachment court today its report on the P6.7 billion in transactions linked to the bank accounts of Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband Manases Carpio under Article II of the impeachment, on unexplained wealth. 10 hours ago IMPEACHMENT ‘Biased impeach vote likely for absent senator-judges’ Senator-judges who missed the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte might end up voting based solely on political persuasion or alliances, Sen. Panfilo Lacson warned yesterday, questioning how absent members can make an informed decision to convict or acquit the impeached official. 10 hours ago IMPEACHMENT Sara Duterte's call for Marcos to resign 'self-serving,' says prosecutor House prosecutor says VP herself would benefit if Marcos steps down. 17 hours ago BONGBONG MARCOS SARA DUTERTE SARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENT OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!