Church express dismay on massive vote-buying
"We can only do so much, we can only try but vote-buying has become a culture and change will take so much time."
Such were the words of Monsignor Meliton Oso, two days after about 1 million of Ilonggo registered voters went to the polls and cast votes on twelve senators, a congressman, a governor and vice-governor, two board members for the province alongside mayor, vice mayor and councilors for city counterparts.
Expressing dismay on the over-all turn-out, Monsignor Oso told The News Today (TNT) that while Monday's political exercise was "relatively without violence, it was characterized by massive vote-buying."
"It was just everywhere!," Monsignor Oso decried saying reports were gathered from the 3,500 church-led volunteers throughout Iloilo City and the Province of Iloilo. The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) has since taken the lead in the campaign against vote-buying.
"We can only try or attempt but you see it has become a culture for Ilonggos so change will take time... so much time," Monsignor Oso added.
The vote-buying as the Church gathered was between P20 from councilorables up to P1,000 in congressionables.
Voters' turn-out was also low, Monsignor Oso shared placing the estimate to 65% based on partial results of the election returns.
Over 94 Parishes are covered by Jaro Archdiocese. One Parish Priest in Northern Iloilo shared the sentiments of Monsignor Oso.
"All over grabe ang kuarta (there was so much money). In many small towns, gahibi ang mga pari sa misa (the priests are crying) out of frustration. Some who won are so young and so corrupt," a young Priest shared in a text message sent to TNT.