Allegations vs Abalos nothing new, says Palace

Former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang expressed no surprise that two new whistleblowers have linked former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos to alleged election fraud in the 2007 elections.

The administration, however, wouldn’t comment on whether it was taken aback that the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was included in the allegations of engaging in poll fraud and in coercion.

“This is no longer new,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said when asked whether Malacañang was surprised that Abalos’ name was linked to alleged election fraud.

“There have been talks. There have been a lot of stories that came out, I think, even a few months after the event,” she added during Tuesday’s news briefing in Malacañang.

Valte wouldn’t comment on the credibility of the two new witnesses in the government’s investigation into the alleged election fraud committed during the Arroyo administration.

Abalos denied the allegations against him. He said he ordered the former election supervisors—Lilian Suan-Radam of South Cotabato and Yogie Martirizar of North Cotabato—arrested for allegedly sabotaging the vote.

“There is already a joint task force that the Department of Justice formed with the help of the Comelec and let us just wait for the testimony they will give during the proceedings of the task force,” Valte said.

“[We] will let the agency evaluate the pieces of evidence that will be submitted by these two witnesses,” she added.

Asked if the government was surprised on the alleged involvement of the Isafp on the alleged poll fraud operation and in the coercion of the witnesses, Valte said, “I wouldn’t know. I have not seen the entire affidavit.”

“I’m also just picking up from news reports,” Valte said.

Valte, nonetheless, dismissed suggestions that an investigation involving the Isafp would demoralize the intelligence unit and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole.

“The current leadership of the AFP has committed to cooperating with any and all investigations that would involve those in active or retired service,” Valte said.

“We are assured of the commitment of the AFP to come out with a very objective view on the matter,” she added.