Antique: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has intensified its campaign on 'Kontra Bigay' or against vote-buying, vote-selling, and abuse of state resources to ensure that the will of people prevails this coming May 12 elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, Wil Arce±o, acting Assistant Regional Director and concurrent Antique Provincial Election Supervisor, stated in an interview that they have reactivated the Provincial Committee Kontra Bigay at the Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) on March 14. The committee is composed of various national government agencies tasked with monitoring, prosecuting, and arresting individuals who commit election offenses.

Arce±o mentioned that the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, National Bureau of Investigation, Commission on Audit (COA), and Civil Service Commission are among the agencies conducting surveillance against election offenses. COA is responsible for monitoring infrastructure projects lacking Comelec exemption and potentially used for political gain, while the CSC is ensuring government employees remain apolitical. The Provincial Prosecutor's Office will assist in prosecution efforts, and the Department of Education will have teachers serving during the election.

He further explained that a citizen's arrest could be implemented if someone is caught in the act or has just committed vote-buying. The Kontra Bigay initiative also targets individuals carrying PHP500,000 or more, barring exceptions for cashiers or disbursing officers within five days before the election.

Arce±o highlighted that violations of Kontra Bigay incur penalties ranging from one to six years of imprisonment, alongside perpetual disqualification from holding public office. He appealed to the public for support in achieving an honest, orderly, and peaceful election on May 12.