ALLEGATIONS ON VOTE-BUYING SHOULD HAVE EVIDENCE — REMULLA, GARCIA

Image Courtesy of GMA News Official Facebook Page

By Liezelle Soriano

THE Commission on Elections and Department of Justice stressed the importance of evidence in complaints regarding vote-buying.

The barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) will be held on October 30.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla inked a partnership on the “Kontra-Bigay” program, which was initiated by the Comelec.

“Presumptions can work if the evidence is treated properly,” Remulla said.

“Yung presumptions naman yung nakalagay sa guidelines natin plus other evidence, hindi lang pwedeng mag-rely ang prosecution sa presumption, plus other evidence,” Garcia said.

Garcia then said that Comelec is expecting help from the DOJ to prosecute those who will be caught vote-buying.

“Yun po kasing investigation part pagsasama-samahin natin iyon pero iyong prosecution part medyo mas mahirap po iyan, talagang aasa kami sa tulong ng DOJ,” he said.

On the other hand, Remulla admitted that vote-buying through e-wallets would be challenging. (ai/mnm)