The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Committee on Kontra Bigay will not proceed with a disqualification case against Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, after deeming that the senatorial candidate satisfactorily explained the vote-buying allegations against her.
The committee’s vice chairperson, Teofisto Elnas Jr., in a letter dated May 7, said the evidence did not support the filing of an election offense or a petition for disqualification.
“Upon evaluation of the evidence gathered, the undersigned deems the same insufficient to proceed to the filing of a complaint for election offense and/or a petition for disqualification,” Elnas said.
He added that Villar had “satisfactorily explained the circumstances” surrounding the allegations.
The case stemmed from an anonymous complaint that included a Facebook video dated February 16, showing Villar on stage while local candidates were reportedly conducting a cash prize raffle for the audience.
The congresswoman clarified that the event took place on February 9, prior to the official campaign period that commenced on February 11.
Villar has since welcomed the decision and thanked Comelec for the resolution’s timely issuance.
