Comelec bribery allegations could affect credibility of 2025 polls -LENTE

If the bribery allegations against the Commission on Elections (Comelec) were not addressed immediately, these could affect the credibility of the 2025 elections, election watchdog Legal Network for  Truthful Elections (LENTE) said on Saturday.

SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante  Marcoleta had questioned the awarding of the P18-billion automated election contract to a joint venture led by South Korean firm Miru Systems by the Comelec amid the alleged existence of 49 offshore bank accounts that received money from South Korean banks.

“Makakaapekto po ‘yan kasi ang inaatake naman po diyan ay yung pagkuha ng mga bagong  makina at pagkuha ng bagong provider…Usually kapag may ganyan na  pagbabago may lagi namang mga agam-agam o pagi-isip na ano kaya nangyari behind closed doors,” said LENTE Executive Director Rona Ann Carlitos said on Super Radyo dzBB.

(It will affect the elections because what is being targeted on that matter are the new machines and the new provider… Usually, when there are  changes like that, there are many uncertainties and suspicions about what  happened behind closed doors.)

“Tandaan natin yung makina  naman talaga ang magbibilang ng ating mga boto. At kung mayroon pong  atake doon sa makina, ayan po ay atake rin sa kredibilidad at integridad na magkakaroon tayo sa darating na taon,” she added.

(Let’s remember that the machines will count our votes. And if  there are any attacks on them, that also means attacking the credibility and integrity of what will take place next year.)

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia earlier admitted that Marcoleta was referring to him but denied he owned any foreign bank accounts or properties.

Garcia had requested the Anti-Money Laundering Council to open and investigate the alleged bank accounts.

For LENTE, it was proper for the Comelec chief to address the issue.

“Wine-welcome namin yung pagiging transparent at head-on yung pag-address po ni Chair Garcia ng mga allegations laban sa kanya at laban sa Commission on  Elections. Kasi ayan naman po ang kailangan sa mga ganyan,  transparency…Kung wala ka namang tinatago, eh di okay ka lang na  mag-imbestiga,” said Carlitos.

(We welcome Chair Garcia’s transparency and for addressing the allegations against him and the Commission on Elections head-on. Because in situations like this,  transparency is important… If you are not hiding anything, then it’s just normal to be investigated.)

Election day is on May  12, but overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12. On the other hand, local absentee voters may cast their votes from April  28 to 30. — DVM, GMA Integrated News