Newly-appointed Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Aimee Neri is ready to answer allegations against her at the proper time, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said on Monday, March 14.
"At the proper time, she will call a meeting with the press. It's just that right now the commissioners are more focused on getting the job done, the elections, than on other matters," Jimenez said.
Neri has been accused by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio of receiving P10-million from his client convict Herbert Colangco to “fix" the controversial convict’s robbery case before the Supreme Court. Neri who was then Justice Assistant Secretary, allegedly returned only P7-million and kept the P3 million.
Jimenez initially stated that they would wait for Topacio's decision whether or not they would bring it up before the Commission on Appointments (CA).
He added that Neri assured the public that all of these accusations are not substantiated, and that ultimately they will be proven false.
"Ang problema kasi ngayon (The problem now is), we are in the thick of preparations and it's difficult to be distracted by these things," Jimenez said.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon urged Neri to resign in order to save herself, President Duterte and the poll body from embarrassment and unnecessary distraction that could affect the integrity of the upcoming May 2022 polls.