Aquino: Garci not essential to poll fraud probe

TAGBILARAN, Bohol — The government doesn’t need former election commissioner and alleged poll fraud operator Virgilio Garcillano in its investigation of alleged cheating in the 2004 presidential election, President Aquino said yesterday.

Asked for his reaction to Garcillano’s purported repudiation of feelers he sent to Malacañang indicating an intention to tell all that he knew about the 2004 presidential election, Aquino said, “Our investigation doesn’t depend on them.”

President Aquino said the investigation into the alleged fraud and other irregularities under the previous administration continues to be pursued by government.

“If our countrymen are getting impatient, it’s because we don’t just file charges. There should be strong proof,” he added. /INQUIRER