The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is investigating viral videos circulating online that allegedly show vote buying involving Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste.

In the footage, Leviste is seen standing while holding money and handing it to individuals lining up. Another video shows the distribution of sacks of rice, which is being linked to his alleged campaign activities.

The videos, accompanied by online claims, indicate the incident allegedly took place during the 2025 elections in Nasugbu, Batangas.

COMELEC Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the agency is working to verify the exact date of the videos to determine whether Leandro Leviste was already a candidate at the time the alleged activities occurred.

“Inaalam po namin kung kailan nangyari at kung talagang nangyari, upang malaman po kung kandidato na ba siya [noong] panahon na ‘yon,” he said.

COMELEC is also assessing the authenticity of the circulating footage and whether the events indeed took place during the previous electoral period.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, individuals found guilty of vote buying may face imprisonment and disqualification from holding public office.