The National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) urged Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to file cases against representatives and mayors accused of meddling in the recently concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Namfrel’s message comes after DILG Undersecretary Martin Diño said that at least 100 members of the House of Representatives and 1,000 local politicians were involved in vote-buying for barangay bets they were supporting.
“Maganda ang ginawa ni Usec. Diño, but he should not limit it to simply naming them (politicians),” Namfrel Secretary General Eric Alvia said in a statement on Wednesday.
“So he should do what is expected next, the violators, they should be charged and proper enforcement of the regulations. File charges before the proper courts,” Alvia added.
READ: Diño told to name congressmen accused of vote-buying
Alvia said that instead of flexing Congress’ powers, Deputy Speaker Representative Raneo Abu of Batangas’ 2nd district should answer Diño’s allegations.
A five-page complaint for the misuse of public funds for partisan political activities was filed against Abu by a certain Norberto Abanilla of Barngay Tayuman in Lobo and a Nicanor Conti of Barangay Alalum in San Pascual.
“I think he (Rep. Abu) should explain first (the accusations of vote buying) without using the House of Representatives,” Alvia said.
“There is certain protection there. Let’s not use the government resources for that, he can simply answer and explain,” he added. /muf