Comelec Chairman George Garcia during a visit to the House of Representatives (File photo/ PPAB)

 

House Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe has underscored the importance of the proposed investigation on the allegations against Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia even as the country is set to hold the mid-term elections next year. 

Dalipe was referring to the serious allegations made by SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta earlier that week. According to the latter, some P1 billion worth of offshore deposits can be linked to a certain Comelec official. 

Although Marcoleta didn't mention anybody in particular, Garcia has since preempted the revelation by claiming that he was the subject of the rumor and that it was all part of a "demolition job" against him. 

"Given the serious nature of the allegations made by Congressman Marcoleta...it is imperative that all the issues being raised against him (Garcia) and the reasons why these are being raised must be addressed, especially as we are now entering the election season,” Dalipe said. 

The Zamboanga congressman reckoned that it's imperative to shed light on the issue to protect the credibility of the country’s electoral process. 

Marcoleta is expected to file a resolution to call on the House of Representatives to hold an inquiry on the offshore bank accounts, some depositors of which have come from South Korea. 

The SAGIP lawmaker floated the offshore bank accounts issue amid snowballing concerns over the capability of South Korean technology provider Miru Systems Co. Ltd. to produce a reliable automated election system (AES) for the 2025 mid-term polls. 

Marcoleta underscored that Comelec under Garcia had already awarded to Miru the P18-billion AES contract, the biggest in Philippine history. 

Dalipe says he is confident that Garcia is fully capable of addressing all the issues raised against him. 

However, he emphasized the need of doing so promptly to dispel any speculation that could affect the integrity of the Comelec and the mid-term election, which is only a few months away. 

BUT FIRST, READ THIS: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/9/your-guess-is-as-good-as-mine-marcoleta-says-comelec-exec-opened-49-offshore-accounts-but-why


Dalipe said the Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms chaired by Mountain Province lone district Rep. Maximo Dalog, can conduct a probe motu proprio on the matter. 

"Personally, I think that Chairman Garcia did a good job in signing an absolute waiver for the AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) to investigate his alleged offshore accounts, but we still need to get to the bottom of this issue to remove all doubts about the Comelec. 

"This investigation will provide Chairman Garcia the opportunity to answer all accusations, thereby removing any doubts about his credibility and integrity," the majority leader explained. 

"As we approach the 2025 midterm elections, the integrity of the Comelec must be beyond reproach. A transparent and thorough investigation will not only clear Chairman Garcia’s name but also reinforce the trust of the Filipino people in our electoral system," Dalipe continued. 

Dalipe assured the public that the House of Representatives would support all necessary measures to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation.