No need to watch Abalos–Brillantes

Commission on Elections Chair Sixto Brillantes does not think a hold-departure order (HDO) against his predecessor, Benjamin Abalos, was not necessary.

Brillantes noted that Abalos was already out on bail on graft charges in connection with alleged kickbacks he took from the scuttled National Broadband Network project during the Arroyo administration.

“I know chairman Ben. I don’t think he is going to run away compared to GMA (former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo).  I would rather trust chairman Ben that he is not leaving the country,” Brillantes said in an interview.

The Comelec on Wednesday filed election sabotage charges against Abalos in the Pasay City Regional Trial Court for his alleged role in poll rigging during the 2007 elections.

“Chairman Abalos won’t run. He is out on bail on one case in the Sandiganbayan. If he attempts to get out, he will be picked up because that is in violation of his bail bond,” Brillantes said.

“He would have to get the permission of the Sandiganbayan if he wants to leave,” he added.

Asked if Abalos should be placed on the immigration watch list, just like Justice Secretary Leila de Lima did to Arroyo to prevent her from leaving the country, Brillantes said: “That is up to Secretary De Lima if she wants to use that again.”

“But there is an issue pending in the Supreme Court about that so it’s hard to use that again,” he added.

In its complaint, the Comelec alleged that Abalos ordered provincial elections officials in North Cotabato and South Cotabato to ensure a 12-0 sweep in favor of Arroyo’s senatorial candidates during the 2007 elections.