The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned that signatures gathered in an ongoing people’s initiative campaign could be invalidated if it is proven that they were given in exchange for money.
Some lawmakers had raised concerns about the signature campaign, claiming that signatories were allegedly being paid P100 each for supporting the petition to amend a constitutional provision.
Comelec Chair George Garcia stated that while the distribution of money in the campaign may not be considered vote-buying since signatures are not votes, it could still affect the petition if proven.
Those behind the campaign could also face anti-graft and malversation charges if public funds were used.
The use of money to gain support for the petition could also be used to invalidate the gathered signatures.
People’s initiative is a challenging process that requires a significant number of verified signatures from registered voters to propose constitutional amendments.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 15, 2023
