Philippine election body to probe claims of vote-rigging

Manila The poll administration body is to examine allegations of extortion and vote-rigging during the May 10 elections, following the arrest of five people who allegedly attempted to extort money from a party-list group.

Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will conduct an investigation into allegations made by party-list group Buhay that five individuals who claimed to be members of the Comelec approached them and offered to ensure their win in the polls in exchange for 10 million pesos (Dh786,802).

"We're doing something, we're not just pushing it aside," Larrazabal said in a television report.

Earlier, on Thursday, members of the supposed syndicate were arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) in a sting operation conducted at a hotel in Manilas Malate tourist district.

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Joel Correras Pelo, Mary Anne Fujiwara, Maria Elizabeth Pabalan, Fudenciano Malinao and Wenceslao Malinao were arrested during the raid which was carried out by authorities on the basis of a complaint by a member of the Buhay party.

According to reports, the members of the syndicate were offering seats as ‘nominees' of Buhay in exchange for large fees. The Party-list system works on the principle of proportional representation.

However, under the current set-up, a particular party-list group, for example Buhay are allowed to nominate as many as three people.

Although the allegations of bribery may be true, Comelec officials said it doesn't necessarily undermine the overall credibility of the political exercise.

The presidential palace said the incident should serve as a warning for candidates who receive similar unscrupulous offers.

Finding out more

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar said the public should be wary of such offers to facilitate solutions to their election concerns.

"Use common sense and ask for identification. Be inquisitive," he advised candidates.

Meanwhile, select members of the Senate and House of Representatives, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, resumed the canvassing of votes from overseas absentee voting after taking a break on Thursday.

According to reports, presidential candidate Benigno ‘Noynoy' Aquino III and his Liberal party running mate Manuel ‘Mar' Roxas are leading in the count of canvassed election returns from absentee voters.

The May 10 election was the first time that an automated general election had been held in the country.