Bookstore heeds Comelec in pulling out money envelopes from election materials section

Metro Manila, Philippines - A nationwide bookstore and school supply retailer has removed money envelopes from the “election materials essentials” section in one of its branches following a request from the Commission on Elections, which warned that the marketing strategy could encourage vote-buying.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia shared documents related to the incident with reporters on Friday, March 21. These included his March 17 letter to the bookstore’s president, flagging the placement of coin and red envelopes, commonly used for distributing money, under the “election materials essentials” label.

“Although we are aware that such envelopes may be used for other legitimate purposes during elections such as payments for watchers and suppliers, we are constrained to humbly appeal for your kind indulgence for corrective action as we fear that said marketing strategy may normalize vote buying and/or the rampant distribution of money during elections,” Garcia wrote.

He said while the commission does not intend to interfere with the bookstore’s business operations, “we also worry that impressionable children and minors who frequent your stores may be led to believe that the illegal practice of vote buying is societally condoned.”

The letter included photos of the display in question.

In a March 21 letter, Garcia thanked the bookstore for its prompt action. He noted that on March 19, the bookstore had written to the Comelec to confirm that the money envelopes had been taken out.

“We also take kind notice of your assistance that there was no malice or any ill-intention… in the marketing and use of said envelopes,” Garcia wrote.

The poll chairman requested not to name the bookstore.

Comelec has launched the Kontra Bigay campaign to combat vote-buying and vote-selling in the May midterm elections. Vote-buying and vote-selling are election offenses punishable by up to six years of imprisonment, disqualification from holding public office, loss of the right to vote, and a fine of no less than P10,000 for political parties.