The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has reported rampant vote-buying activities in the recently concluded May 12 midterm and local elections, singling out several provinces, including Palawan, as among those affected by the practice.
In its preliminary statement released May 14, the EU EOM reported “credible indications” and direct observations of widespread vote-buying involving cash and goods, including instances of “bidding wars” among local candidates. The Mission noted these incidents occurred despite the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) creation of Task Force Kontra Bigay to curb the illegal practice.
The EU observers specifically identified Palawan as one of the provinces where they witnessed or received reports of vote-buying activities. Other areas cited include Bohol, Davao Oriental, La Union, Quezon, Siquijor, Zamboanga City, and Zamboanga del Sur.
“The EU observers witness instances of vote buying or ayuda in Bohol, Davao Oriental, La Union, Palawan, Quezon, Siquijor, Zamboanga City, and Zamboanga del Sur provinces. Red-tagging was reported or observed in Cebu City, Davao City, Benguet, La Union, NCR, and Pangasinan provinces. EU observers also witnessed limitations to public assembly in Leyte, NCR, Pampanga, and Southern Leyte provinces,” the EU report stated.
HERE IS THE STATEMENT: EUEOM-PHIL25-Preliminary-Statement-FINAL
The report further cited the partisan distribution of government assistance, or ayuda, including food and transportation subsidies, as contributing to vote influence. “Rice packs branded with the president’s initials and free public transport during the campaign period” were among the examples described as blurring the lines between public service and political campaigning.
While commending Filipino voters for their strong civic engagement and commitment to democracy, the Mission underscored that systemic deficiencies—such as weak enforcement against electoral fraud and vote-buying—continue to undermine the credibility of Philippine elections.
The EU EOM also criticized the COMELEC for hindering its observers’ access to voting precincts, thereby affecting the Mission’s ability to comprehensively assess voting-day procedures. In at least eight precincts across the country, EU observers were denied entry despite prior written assurances.
The EU mission deployed 226 observers from 25 EU member states, making it one of the most comprehensive foreign observation efforts in the country.
The EU EOM is expected to release its final report within two months, which will include detailed recommendations for electoral reforms aimed at improving the fairness and transparency of future Philippine elections.
