Senatorial candidate Larry Gadon wants the Commission on Elections to investigate and if evidence warrants, pursue disqualification proceedings against Vice President Leni Robredo who is seeking the presidency in 2022.
Gadon cited two instances that could lead to Robredo’s being sidelined from next year’s presidential polls.
“Sa dahilang siya ay nagpo-promote at nage-encourage ng vote buying, dapat siya i-disqualify ng Comelec pero matapos na maimbestigahan. (Because she promotes and encourages vote buying, she deserves to be disqualified by the Comelec but after investigation),” the outspoken critic of the previous Aquino administration said.
He said Robredo's fund raising campaign to finance her presidential bid is also a violation of election laws.
Gadon, official candidate of the Kilusang Bagong LIpunan, accused Robredo of encouraging vote buying when she publicly advised voters to accept bribes from vote buyers but to vote to whoever truly deserve their support.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez has warned that this is indeed prodding vote buying which is prohibited under election laws.
Gadon admitted that accusing Robredo of encouraging vote buying may not merit her disqualification as of now because her candidacy for president has yet to be proclaimed officially by the Comelec.
“But I am convinced a violation of the law has already been committed with regards the crowdfunding decision of the Robredo camp,” the public interest lawyer stated.
He explained that by seeking donations, there is a strong possibility that foreigners might donate money to fund Robredo’s campaign.
“Accepting funds from foreign companies or foreigners is clearly a violation even if done outside the campaign period,” Gadon pointed out.