Parañaque aspirant for councilor, 5 others nabbed for 'selling' BARMM posts

A man who is looking to run for councilor in Parañaque and five others were arrested for allegedly offering positions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in exchange for P8 million each.

According to John Consulta's report on "24 Oras," former Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu approached the NBI and reported that the suspects offered seats in the parliament of the BARMM.

"Siya yung mago-oath daw, punta raw kami sa Malacanang, at dadalhin ang pera, today daw. Magaling, kasi sabi niya kapag naano tayo, may rooms tayo na VIP, isa-isa kayo kakausapin," Mangudadatu said referring to one of the suspects.

NBI said per position costs P8 million. 

"P8 million bawat position pero dahil dalawa may discount, P15 million na lang. Sinasabi na ang magfa-facilitate ng appointment ng anak at nephew ay si first lady. When we checked the palace, di sila kilala doon, we have a certification that they are not connected in any way sa palace," NBI Director Jaime Santiago said.

It appears that some of the arrested suspects already have records and may be talking to other people to become victims, the NBI noted. 

"The agents already took possession of the mobile gadgets and this will be subjected to forensic investigation," said NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin. 

One of the suspects will run for councilor in Parañaque City and admitted that he will use the money for his campaign.

"I was able to contact a friend in Davao. My friend connected me to a lady, yung supposed incoming chief minister, six slots daw, kasi pinupuno niya," said the aspirant for councilor.

"May commission. Tao lang tayo, I’m running for a position, I need some money, kailangan mo siya to sustain something sa pagtakbo," he added. —Sherylin Untalan/NB, GMA Integrated News