LEGAZPI CITY: “Hakot” system, massive vote buying and free snacks as well as lunch marred the elections day for Sangguniang Kabataan and Barangay elections across the Bicol region, Supt. Ely Bron told the Bicol Mail.

        “It appeared that massive vote buying was taking place across the region at ang grabe ay ang mga kandidatong SK. They’re supposed to be the role model unfortunately they’re unwittingly part of the “trapo” and rotten system which is very disgusting,” Bron lamented.

        In the urban villages here, cash, food and a kilo of rice were handed to the electorate by the candidates from Saturday to Sunday evening while free rides were also provided by the candidates to voters during elections day.

        Voters interviewed by the Bicol Mail said that they’re given a kilo of rice and received P20.00 from a barangay kagawad candidate while the village chieftain candidate handed P50 to P150, depending on the capability and status of voters.

        Cathy Untalan, Ms. Earth Water 2006 and candidate for Ms. Earth Beauty Pageant urged on Sunday evening during the press conference held at Venezia Hotel the youth to come out and select good leaders in the villages.

        “I am urging the people especially the youth across the country to choose a good leader because if you vote for prospective good candidates in your area then you’re helping our country to have good government and leaders,” she said.

        Untalan and other candidates of Ms. Earth Beauty pageant arrived in this city to plant trees and release turtles in Misibis village, Cagraray Island in Bacacay town.

        But her plea was dissipated in the wilderness as most of the SK candidates yielded to traditional unhealthy practices by veteran politicians here.