Authorities confiscated ₱1.65 million in cash from a woman at a Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoint in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, on Saturday, May 10. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the money was suspected to be intended for vote-buying activities in the province as the midterm election period continues.
In a report by the Muñoz Police, the 38-year-old woman, whose identity was withheld pending further investigation, was stopped at the Comelec-manned checkpoint along a major highway in the city. Upon inspection of her vehicle, police officers discovered several bundles of cash amounting to ₱1.65 million.
When questioned, the woman claimed that the money belonged to her but failed to present any official documents or permits justifying her possession of such a large amount during the election period. Under Comelec Resolution No. 11104, Section 28 strictly prohibits the carrying of excessive cash during the campaign and election period without prior written authority from the Commission.
As a result, the woman was immediately arrested and now faces charges of violating election laws. Authorities are also probing whether she is linked to any political group or candidate operating in the area. Her arrest has sparked concerns about ongoing vote-buying operations in the run-up to the elections.
The confiscated money is now in the custody of the police, while investigators coordinate closely with Comelec officials to determine the origin and intended use of the cash. Comelec spokespersons reiterated that the agency remains on high alert for any election-related violations, especially those involving financial inducements aimed at swaying voters.
“We are serious in enforcing our resolutions to preserve the integrity of the elections,” said a local Comelec officer. “Anyone caught transporting large sums of money without proper authorization will face the full force of the law.”
The Comelec checkpoint in Muñoz is part of a nationwide effort to prevent election-related crimes, including vote-buying, which has long plagued Philippine elections. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activities related to the elections.
As investigations continue, the suspect remains in police custody and is set to face preliminary inquest proceedings in the coming days.