Electoral process is a 'sham': Ex-senator withdraws congressional bid in Isabela over 'massive vote-buying'

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 12) — A former senator withdrew his run for the Isabela congressional race on Saturday due to aggravation over 'massive vote-buying' cases.

Heherson Alvarez, who was endorsed by the President to run as representative of the 4th District of Isabela, called the electoral process a "sham," saying he refuses to continue his run under circumstances of political abuse of freedom. He cited "massive and overwhelming vote-buying." Alvarez served two senatorial terms from 1987.

"I cannot continue to participate in this political exercise that violates our precious political freedom of choice of leaders," the former lawmaker stated.

He urged the government to go after those who peddle vote-buying in the country.

"As the President has warned, we must seek to help penalize vote-buyers as we do to drug offenders," Alvarez said.

This comes days after the Commission on Elections joined forces with other agencies to create an anti-vote buying task force, which aims to oversee complaints of vote-buying in the midterm elections. The task force earlier assured that they would go after perpetrators even after the midterm polls conclude.