De Lima urges Comelec to recall resolution on ‘money ban’

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Saying amendments were not enough, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Thursday urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to recall the resolution on “money ban.”

“It’s better to withdraw. It’s already too late,” De Lima told reporters.

Earlier, the Comelec said it will amend its controversial money ban resolution, adding an exemption to banks clients who regularly withdraw more than P100,000.

“If they will amend it, would there be time for dissemination? Would there be enough time for the implementation of the agencies concern,” De Lima asked.

“How will this be implemented? Those asking for exemption, will there be time for them to apply and for Comelec to act on it? What about those with legitimate commercial transactions that needed to transact in cash…I think a thorough review is needed,” De Lima said.

De Lima said, it is better to just strictly enforce the election laws that punish vote buying.