GCash expressed its full support for the Commission on Elections’
(COMELEC) Resolution No. 10946, also known as "Kontra-Bigay", ahead
of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Officials from the fintech company attended the campaign’s launch at the
Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, earlier in September. The launch
was also attended by distinguished representatives from lead agencies such as
the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces
of the Philippines (AFP), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Office of
the Solicitor General (OSG), Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Anti-Money
Laundering Council (AMLC), Department of Education (DepEd), as well as
prominent election-focused NGOs like National Citizens' Movement for Free
Elections (NAMFREL), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV),
and Legal Network For Truthful Elections (LENTE).
COMELEC Resolution No. 10946 aims to combat online vote buying and
selling by establishing a Kontra-Bigay Committee and expanding the existing
vote-buying regulations under the Omnibus Election Code and its Implementing
Rules and Regulations, as well as the other rules and regulations issued by
COMELEC.
One of the most significant highlights of the newly passed resolution is
its recognition of online banking transactions and the use of e-wallets as
potential channels for vote buying under Section 30. During the launch, COMELEC
emphasized its authority to scrutinize the financial details of account holders
suspected of involvement in such illicit activities.
“GCash reiterates its unwavering commitment to cooperate fully with the
COMELEC in the fight against online vote buying. The company recognizes the
critical role fintech companies play in safeguarding the integrity of elections
by preventing the misuse of digital financial tools for unlawful purposes,”
said Martha Sazon, president and chief executive officer of GCash.
GCash believes that fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in
financial transactions is paramount to ensuring fair, honest, and inclusive
elections that reflect the people's will.
"We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of
transparency and security in financial transactions and will actively support
the COMELEC in their efforts to maintain a level playing field for all
candidates and voters,” added Sazon.
As the country’s no. 1 finance super app, GCash embraces its
responsibility in ensuring that not only finance but also democracy, is for
all.
