Barangay Manga in Tagbilaran City has secured commitments from all local and provincial candidates to respect its status as a “vote-buying and vote-selling-free zone” ahead of the May 12 national midterm elections, continuing a successful advocacy that began during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Father Jingboy Saco, parish priest of Most Holy Trinity Parish and convenor of the anti-vote-buying movement, formalized the community’s stance in a letter dated May 3, 2025 addressed to residents and political aspirants.
“We all know that the root cause of corrupt practices by our government officials starts with vote-buying and vote-selling, locally known as ‘inangayan,’ during the election period, particularly the days leading up to election day,” Saco wrote. “Corruption results in hardship and poverty experienced by most Filipinos.”
The drive has gained traction following four consultation meetings held since February 2025 at the parish, where candidates unanimously agreed to respect the barangay’s advocacy.
Among those who participated were congressional candidates for Bohol’s first district: Atty. Rep. Edgar Chatto, Atty. Jordan Pizarras, and former mayor Baba Yap; city mayoral candidates Jane Yap and Atoy Torralba; and city vice mayoral aspirants Adam Jala, Toto Veloso, and Geneson Balbin.
To enforce compliance, the barangay has established the Gagmay’ng Simbahanong Katilingban (GSK) Monitoring Group and Purok Intelligence Group.
A command center at the Most Holy Trinity Parish function hall will track election-related activities, with support from COMELEC Kontra Bigay and Philippine Army Special Forces volunteers.
“Some candidates expressed concerns that others might violate the agreement, which is why we’ve implemented these monitoring mechanisms,” Saco explained. “We will enforce the law against those who violate the candidates’ commitments.”
The barangay has also extended its advocacy by sending formal letters to candidates for governor, vice governor, first district board member, and city council positions, urging them to honor the community’s stance against electoral corruption.
Residents have expressed pride in their barangay’s recognition throughout Bohol and the Philippines.
Lucila Ariston, a 62-year-old resident, told media, “For the first time, we felt empowered during the 2023 elections. No one pressured us with money or goods, and we voted according to our conscience.”
According to Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, Section 261(a), vote-buying and vote-selling are prohibited acts punishable by imprisonment of one to six years without probation.
Convicted individuals face disqualification from public office and loss of voting rights.
Political parties found guilty can be fined at least 10,000 pesos.
The barangay has publicized contact numbers for reporting violations: 0917-564-1016 and 0918-951-1466 for the Command Center, with additional contact channels through Father Saco and the parish’s social media accounts.
“The Most Holy Trinity always protects people who desire peace and justice,” Saco concluded. “Let us pray and ask for His blessing in our struggle against this electoral evil that has plagued our political system for generations.”
Local election officials have noted that Barangay Manga’s initiative could serve as a blueprint for electoral reform in other communities nationwide.