Solon wants electoral offenses classified as ‘heinous crimes’

MANILA, Philippines - An opposition lawmaker on Monday said several election offenses should be classified as heinous crimes to deter violators from committing acts that undermine the people's right to suffrage. In a statement on the House of Representatives website, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez cited House Bill 2769 which seeks to declare as heinous crimes election offenses such as: • Conspiracy to bribe voters; • Threats, intimidation, terrorism, use of fraudulent devices or other forms of coercion before, during and after the election period; • Coercion of election officials and employees; • Appointment or use of special policemen, special agents or the like during the election period; • Illegal release of prisoners before and after the election; • Use of public funds, money deposited in trust, equipment, facilities owned or controlled by the government for an election campaign; • Use of armored land, water or aircraft during the election period; and • Organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces, or other similar forces during the election period. "It is necessary that certain election offenses be classified as heinous crimes while other offenses be given the appropriate penalty that will ensure the sanctity of one's sovereign will in the selection of our nation's public servants," Rodriguez said, noting that heinous crimes are punishable by up to 20 years' imprisonment. Rodriguez said the current penalties provided for by the election laws are inadequate to deter violators from committing acts. In the statement, Rodriguez also said that the bill increases the penalty of a guilty political party through a fine of P500,000 - a far cry from the existing penalty of P10,000 for electoral offenses. - GMANews.TV