In a decisive move to enhance electoral integrity and curb fraud, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Mabalacat City convened a Joint Coordinating Conference on April 3, 2025, at the Youth Community Center (formerly Jade Hall) in Xevera Subdivision, Barangay Tabun. The event also saw the formal activation of the Committee on Kontra-Bigay (CKB), a body dedicated to combating vote-buying and vote-selling during the election process.

Led by Ms. Maria Lourdes Alfaro, Election Officer IV of COMELEC Mabalacat City, the conference brought together key stakeholders and focused on several critical areas, including:

• 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝟐.𝟎: Expanding and strengthening the committee’s mandate and capacity.
• 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬: Sharing insights into the Philippine experience and strategies to address this issue.
• 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: How citizens can engage in reporting election violations.
• 𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞-𝐁𝐮𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞-𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: Providing information and resources to prevent these illegal practices.

The session was attended by a broad array of representatives from various government bodies and civic organizations, such as the Department of Education (DepEd), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) Mabalacat Municipal Coordinator, PPCRV Parish Coordinator of Our Lady of Grace Parish (OLGP), the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the Commission on Human Rights Monitoring Office (CHRMO), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), City Information Office (CIO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).

The Committee on Kontra-Bigay was officially activated to address and monitor election-related offenses, with a particular focus on vote-buying and the improper use of state resources. To ensure active community participation, the public is encouraged to report electoral violations through the following official channels:

• Kontra-Bigay Complaint Center
• Facebook: facebook.com/ComelecCKB
• Email: committee.kontrabigay@comelec.gov.ph
• Mobile Hotlines:
• Globe: 0995 299 3725
• Smart: 0921 954 5992

This initiative underscores COMELEC’s unwavering commitment to preserving the sanctity of elections and ensuring that Mabalacat City continues to uphold free, fair, and transparent elections.

📸 City Information Office