TWO more administration bets are now in hot water and will be called by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to shed light on reports that they resorts to “vote-buying” by giving out health insurance cards to win votes.
Comelec Commissioner Resurreccion Borra said the en banc has already instructed the law department to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine if boxing champion Manny Pacquaio, who is running for congressman of General Santos City and South Cotabato, and House Speaker Jose De Venecia indeed gave ree insurance cards.
“This has been discussed by the commissioners and I think in due time the proper course of action will be taken by our law department,” Borra told reporters.
Reports claimed that both Pacquaio and de Venecia were giving out insurance cards to the voters in their respective areas to get the votes.
Borra said the investigation to be conducted would be separate saying “because you cannot clamp them together because they’re different personalities and the offense will not be the same.”
“I have not seen a copy of the insurance cards. It seemed that insurance cards are starting to be popular in this campaign. We would like to see a copy so we can evaluate if it amounts to vote-buying,” he added.
The Comelec earlier said they will investigate Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. for offering a P10,000 incentive to each barangay captain in Iloilo to ensure the victory of the administration’s senatorial candidates. (MSN/Sunnex)
