Comelec summons QC congressional bet Rose Nono Lin, others for alleged vote buying

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Law Department issued a subpoena to Quezon City District 5 congressional candidate Rose Nono Lin and other individuals for alleged vote buying ahead of Eleksyon 2022.

According to a GMA News’ Tina Panganiban Perez on Twitter, the complainants Koalisyong Novalenyo Kontra Korapsyon and Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan ng Bagbag filed the complaint for violation of Section 261 paragraphs a1, b, and I of the Omnibus Election Code against Lin and other individuals.

Apart from Lin, among the individuals issued subpoenas were Lorelie Alejo, Danny Maniquis, Danilo Endraca, Emily Tatel, Jackie Taio, Yolanda Villaluz, Haydee Burabo, Luisito Tojon, Lucianna De Guzman, Sweet Macayan, Imelda Maniquis, Miles Mansueto, Maria Buensuceso, Erwin Manabat, Alma Polenday, and Rudy Crispino.

They were ordered to file their counter affidavits on or before May 16.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, any person found guilty of election offense shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years.

Also, those found guilty will be denied the right to vote and prohibited from holding public office, and any political party found guilty of vote-buying will be fined.

Lin is also a stockholder of a company linked to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation, the firm that was investigated by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of medical supplies and equipment by the government at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino has been designated head of the inter-agency task force investigating reports of vote-buying.

The Task Force Kontra Bigay would be composed of several agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Information Agency.

The task force is expected to act motu proprio, as well as on formal complaints involving vote-buying. —NB, GMA News