The Ateneo de Naga University joined the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for clean and fair elections at the Kontra-Bigay Awareness and Voter’s Education Campaign at the IBP Hall at J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City, on April 4, 2025. The university was represented by Dr. Malu Barcillano, Dean of the Graduate School and, Director of the Center for Local Governance. 
The event, spearheaded by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Camarines Sur Chapter hand in hand with COMELEC, gathered government agencies, academic institutions, and socio-civic organizations to promote ethical elections. Along with Ateneo de Naga University, participants included University of Sta. Isabel, Naga College Foundation, Commission on Elections, the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., Mancave Bicol Inc., Rotary Naga-Camarines Sur, JCI Pili Isarog and JCI Naga Cariñosa, and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas-Camarines Sur. With this, the program encompassed various representatives in championing the cause against election fraud.
Based on the Batas Pambansa BLG. 881, December 03, 1985, of the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, the transgression of vote buying is to be imprisoned for 1 to 6 years without probation and will be deprived of their right to vote. Moreover, election fraud by candidates may lead to disqualification upon further process by the Commission on Elections, and any political party found guilty will be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than 10,000 pesos, which will be imposed on the political party after criminal action has been instituted in which their corresponding officials have been found guilty.
This initiative focused on educating voters about the illegality of vote-buying and vote-selling, encouraging communities to reject and report such offenses. Significantly, this marks an notable step in the fight for progressive and fair elections.
In signing this MOA, Ateneo de Naga University further fosters the Ignatian Values by promoting progressive social development for the community, with the community.
By: Amber Colleen T. Oloya and Brent Casey G. Directo
Senior High School Interns
