W. Visayas police monitors alleged vote-buying in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY -- The Police Regional Office (PRO 6) in Western Visayas has received information on the alleged vote-buying activities of some politicians in Miag-ao and Igbaras towns in Iloilo.

Brig. Gen. John Bulalacao, PRO 6 director, said they received reports “about the distribution of some candidates of groceries and money today at Poblacion, Igbaras also here in Miag-ao.”

The “Biron-Garin” tandem was reported to be involved in vote buying, Bulalacao said in a press conference on Monday morning. He said he asked for photos for the report to be validated.

In a follow-up afternoon interview, Bulalacao said “what we see there is Ferj Biron and Ting-ting Garin in the pictures”.

Bulalacao said he received a photo that shows grocery items with wrappers containing the names and faces of Iloilo 4th district congressman and gubernatorial candidate Ferjenel Biron; and reelectionist Vice Governor Christine Garin.

“(The report is) from a concerned citizen and validated,” he said.

Biron, on the other hand, denied the alleged vote-buying.

“I don't know what he talked about. Unless he accuses me directly with evidence then I will be bound to react,” Biron said.

Garin, meanwhile, said she is ready to face the alleged vote-buying issue. "I will be ready to answer to any complaint upon receipt of the official complaint," she said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday.

Bulalacao said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has the discretion on the aforementioned politicians.

“It’s up to the Comelec whether to file charges or not,” he said. (PNA)

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https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069034
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