Robredo not criminally liable for remarks on vote-buying – Comelec

Vice President Leni Robredo as she delivers her message to supporters via Facebook on October 21, 2021. Screengrab from Facebook / VP Leni Robredo

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant and incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo’s statement on vote-buying doesn’t make her “criminally liable,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said on Thursday.

“I don’t see any liability to her now, I think it is not something that should have been said, but in terms of criminal liability I don’t really see it,” Jimenez said over CNN Philippines when asked if Robredo could have liability in her statements.

“It’s really a question of what you believe as an individual, if you think it’s a good idea, say so, why not? But I disagree. As far as the Comelec is concerned, that is against the law,” he added.

Although Robredo stressed that vote-buying is illegal, she suggested that voters take the money from politicians – which, she said, could be taxpayer’s money anyway – but vote based on their conscience. If politicians don’t get their desired outcome, this could be a lesson for them.

Senatorial aspirant Larry Gadon on Wednesday urged Comelec to investigate Robredo for her remarks.

Reacting to Gadon’s statement, Jimenez said: “To that, I would say, then we have to probe everyone whoever said that. And remember it’s not just one person who has said that, multiple candidates have actually said that.”

Also on Thursday, Jimenez reacted to a tweet that said almost all of Robredo’s fellow presidential candidates hold the same view on vote-buying.

To this, Jimenez responded: “Yes, it seems most of them agree. And yes, I disagree with those that do.”

Yes, it seems most of them agree. And yes, i disagree with those that do. https://t.co/cEo1HGUDbZ

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) October 28, 2021

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