Comelec: Prove sale of party-list slots

Manila, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked people alleging that fixers are operating at the poll body to substantiate their claims.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said people who claim that they can get a party-list group accredited do not really have influence.

“The problem is that many con artists see an opportunity to make a quick buck by promising accreditation in exchange for money,” he said.

“This, however, does not mean that they have actual influence over the en banc.”

Jimenez said the Comelec is willing to cooperate with anybody who will initiate an investigation.

“The problem is people pretending to have an inside track and other people wanting to buy their way into the party-list system,” he said.

Bayan Muna has sought an investigation by the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms on reports that fixers were selling party-list accreditation at the Comelec. –Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star)