A TOTAL of 158 complaints involving alleged vote buying, vote selling and the misuse of public resources by candidates have been lodged before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Saturday.

DILG Assistant Secretary Jesi Lanete revealed that at least 16 of the complaints concern the distribution of financial aid or "ayuda," and other material goods, a practice expressly prohibited under Section 33 of Comelec Resolution 11104.

The resolution forbids candidates, their relatives within the second civil degree, and their supporters or employees from handing out assistance during the election period. Such acts are presumed as a form of vote buying under election laws.

"We remind all candidates to strictly comply with the Comelec provisions against vote buying and to avoid the abuse of government resources, especially for those holding public office," Lanete said.

He warned that violations could lead to disqualification and even criminal prosecution, not just for candidates but also for voters who accept money or favors — an often-overlooked crime under the Omnibus Election Code.

Data from the DILG showed that Region IV-A (Calabarzon) topped the list with 31 complaints, followed closely by Region III (Central Luzon) with 30 and the National Capital Region (NCR) with 24.

The surge in complaints coincides with heightened tensions on the campaign trail, as candidates race to solidify voter support days before the May 12 elections.

In response, the Comelec has issued show-cause orders against 29 local candidates, demanding that they explain in writing why they should not face administrative or criminal charges based on the complaints filed against them.

Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier voiced full backing for the Comelec's intensified "Kontra Bigay" (Against Vote Buying) campaign, but stressed that a parallel "Kontra Tanggap" (Against Vote Selling) effort must also be strengthened to break the cycle of electoral corruption.

"It's not enough to prevent candidates from giving bribes — we must also empower citizens to refuse them," Remulla said. "Electoral reform must attack both sides of the problem if we want true change."

Lanete echoed the sentiment, urging voters to report any suspicious activities and reminding them that participating in vote-buying is punishable under the law.

The rising number of complaints highlights the lingering vulnerability of Philippine elections to money politics, despite repeated government crackdowns and voter education drives.

Election watchdogs have called on authorities to move quickly and decisively, warning that slow or selective enforcement could fuel public cynicism about the credibility of the upcoming polls.

Comelec officials assured the public that all complaints will be investigated thoroughly and that erring candidates — regardless of rank — will be held accountable.

The DILG vowed to continue monitoring election hot spots and assisting the Comelec in building cases against violators.

"We want to ensure that our elections are clean, credible, and truly reflective of the people's will," Lanete said.