REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Church Leaders In Pangasinan Cry Foul: 'Vote-Buying Is Tearing Our Community Apart'
File
In the heart of Pangasinan’s 6th District, a chorus of concerned voices has risen—not from politicians, but from the pulpits. Multiple pastors from different Christian denominations across Tayug, Umingan, Sta. Maria, Balungao, Rosales, and San Manuel have come together to denounce what they call “massive and rampant vote-buying” in the lead-up to the midterm elections.
In heartfelt letters addressed to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, the church leaders didn’t mince words. They expressed “great alarm and concern” over reports that some candidates are allegedly handing out as much as ₱3,000 per voter to secure votes.
“The scale and amount alone… is not only revolting to the senses but perplexing,” the letter stated, adding that what’s more disturbing is how this practice is slowly “destroying the moral fabric of our community.”
Citing biblical principles and moral values, the group strongly condemned vote-buying, calling it both immoral and unlawful. The pastors pointed out that public service should be earned through integrity—not purchased with cash envelopes.
What frustrates them even more is the lack of enforcement. Despite numerous reports, not a single person has been arrested. The church leaders questioned why there hasn't been any visible action from authorities to clamp down on what they described as open and shameless election violations.
“We do hope and pray that under your watch and guidance, the further deterioration of our country’s electoral system shall not prosper,” the pastors pleaded, ending their message with a call for both moral courage and divine guidance.
Among the signatories are respected leaders like Pastor Renato S. Licuan of Tayug of Christ, Pastora Nora Salinas of Grace Evangelical Church, and Pastor George Manantan of Christian Baptist Church, along with over a dozen others from different denominations who’ve all united in their appeal to COMELEC.
Interestingly, even 6th District Representative Marlyn “Len” Primicias-Agabas has weighed in. In a separate letter dated April 29, she urged COMELEC to take action, naming congressional candidate Gilbert Estrella in her complaint and accusing him of vote-buying at ₱3,000 per voter.
As of now, COMELEC has acknowledged the concern and says the matter is under investigation. But with election day drawing closer, the church leaders—and many of their congregants—are hoping that action comes sooner rather than later.
Because for them, this isn’t just about politics—it’s about protecting the soul of their community.
In heartfelt letters addressed to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, the church leaders didn’t mince words. They expressed “great alarm and concern” over reports that some candidates are allegedly handing out as much as ₱3,000 per voter to secure votes.
“The scale and amount alone… is not only revolting to the senses but perplexing,” the letter stated, adding that what’s more disturbing is how this practice is slowly “destroying the moral fabric of our community.”
Citing biblical principles and moral values, the group strongly condemned vote-buying, calling it both immoral and unlawful. The pastors pointed out that public service should be earned through integrity—not purchased with cash envelopes.
What frustrates them even more is the lack of enforcement. Despite numerous reports, not a single person has been arrested. The church leaders questioned why there hasn't been any visible action from authorities to clamp down on what they described as open and shameless election violations.
“We do hope and pray that under your watch and guidance, the further deterioration of our country’s electoral system shall not prosper,” the pastors pleaded, ending their message with a call for both moral courage and divine guidance.
Among the signatories are respected leaders like Pastor Renato S. Licuan of Tayug of Christ, Pastora Nora Salinas of Grace Evangelical Church, and Pastor George Manantan of Christian Baptist Church, along with over a dozen others from different denominations who’ve all united in their appeal to COMELEC.
Interestingly, even 6th District Representative Marlyn “Len” Primicias-Agabas has weighed in. In a separate letter dated April 29, she urged COMELEC to take action, naming congressional candidate Gilbert Estrella in her complaint and accusing him of vote-buying at ₱3,000 per voter.
As of now, COMELEC has acknowledged the concern and says the matter is under investigation. But with election day drawing closer, the church leaders—and many of their congregants—are hoping that action comes sooner rather than later.
Because for them, this isn’t just about politics—it’s about protecting the soul of their community.
May 7, 2025
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