Comelec looking into use of gov’t vehicles for UNA rally

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Commission on Elections in Cebu has started an inquiry into the alleged use of government resources and vehicles during the rally of the United Nationalist Alliance Tuesday evening.

Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Eddie Aba confirmed that he sent a letter to Mayor Michael Rama on Wednesday afternoon, asking him to explain the reported use of city-owned vehicles and other city resources in the preparation for the rally, including the construction of the huge stage at the Plaza Independencia.

A city-owned Canter truck was seen delivering materials for the construction of the stage last Sunday and Monday, and, during the actual rally,  some red-plate vehicles, including  barangay vehicles, were seen carrying people to the venue of the political gathering. In fact, government buses of Punta Princesa, Pit-os and Zapatera were parked on the fringes of the rally.

Rama was earlier quoted as saying that he would not prohibit the use of government vehicles for the rally because the rally could be considered a national event attended by the second highest official of the country, Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“We are conducting inquiry about this issue and in fact, I already sent a letter to the mayor asking for  his explanation in relation to the allegations,” Aba said.

Aba appealed to people who witnessed the use of the government vehicles to come out in the open and execute affidavits.

“With due respect to the reports of the media, we have to afford due process to the people involved in this issue. The report of the media would not be enough. So, there must be other evidence, documentary or circumstantial,” Aba added.

Aba said the inquiry was aimed at finding out if election offenses were committed by the candidates involved in the rally.

He noted that section 31 of  Comelec Resolution 9615 states: “It is unlawful for any candidate, party or any person to give or accept, free of charge, directly or indirectly, transportation, food and drinks, or anything of value during and within the five (5) hours before and after a public meeting, or to give or contribute, directly or indirectly, money or things of value for such purpose.”

The result of the Comelec inquiry will be forwarded to Comelec law department and to the office of Chairman Sixto Brillantes, Aba said.

“They (Comelec head office) will evaluate the evidence and come up with a resolution whether or not there was any violation. The role of our office is only for purposes of gathering evidence,” Aba added.