A majority of Filipino registered voters believe vote buying will occur in the upcoming May 2025 elections, according to a recent survey by OCTA Research, highlighting persistent concerns over electoral integrity in the Philippines.

The poll, conducted from February 22 to 28, 2025, found that 66 percent of respondents expect vote buying to take place, while 34 percent disagree.

The survey comes as the country prepares for national and local elections, a process often marred by allegations of corruption and voter manipulation.

Vote buying, an illegal practice under Philippine law, has long been a challenge in ensuring free and fair elections, with cash or goods frequently offered to influence voters in economically disadvantaged areas.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia urged the public to report individuals involved in vote buying, vowing to disqualify candidates found engaging in the illegal practice.

Garcia’s statement reflects ongoing efforts by the Comelec to strengthen enforcement of election laws ahead of the May polls, amid growing public scrutiny of the democratic process.