Drilon dismisses election cheating allegations as ‘dumb’

Senate President Franklin Drilon rejected on Wednesday as “dumb” and without basis the cheating allegation against the Liberal Party (LP) supposedly to ensure the victory of its members, including him, in the last May 9 elections.

“Was it not possible and I think what happened was those who voted for (former Interior Secretary) Mar Roxas voted for me and those who voted for Digong included me in the 12?” Drilon, vice chairman of LP, said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay in Malate.

“So, this allegation that nandaya kami is dumb (This allegation that we cheated is dumb). And I wished that the mainstream media, before bringing that out, would be more discerning and find out if there is basis.

“Because that allegation has no basis. It is just equity and fairness; kasi kung wala naming basihan ay bakit dadalhin sa mainstream media (If there is no basis, then why bring it to mainstream media),” the Senate leader said.

READ: Comelec shrugs off cheating story

Drilon made the remarks when sought for comment on reports that he received higher votes than President-elect Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte.

Three hooded witnesses earlier came out and claimed that they were used as instruments to manipulate the results of the elections in the Quezon province, supposedly on the orders of an unnamed official of the LP.

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Among those, they said, who had benefitted from the alleged rigging of votes were LP standard-bearer Mar Roxas, who lost to Duterte in the presidential race; Vice President-elect Leni Robredo; and some senators, allegedly including Drilon. JE