Palace awaits explanation on why 'Garci Boys' still in Comelec

Malacañang is eager to get an explanation from Commission on Elections chair Sixto Brillantes on why at least six officials linked to the “Hello Garci" scandal are still occupying posts in the poll body. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Brillantes will have to come up with an explanation as the question may be raised again when he faces the Commission on Appointments anew in August. “Hintayin natin ang magiging response ni Comelec chairman Brillantes sa allegation ni Sen. [Alan Peter] Cayetano kung totoong naroon ang sinabing nasangkot sa Garci issue," Valte said on state-run dzRB radio. When asked if the Palace will investigate the matter, Valte said Malacañang will first wait for Brillantes’ explanation. The “Hello Garci" scandal refers to phone conversations between former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and ex-poll commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, indicating alleged rigging of the 2004 presidential elections. Arroyo, now Pampanga congresswoman, had apologized for her “lapse in judgment" in talking to a poll commissioner while she was still considered a presidential candidate. Cayetano earlier said officials linked to the “Hello Garci" scandal are still occupying key positions in the Comelec. He cited Ray Sumalipao, the highest Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao election official tagged in the 2004 poll scandal. Media reports said Cayetano also identified five other officials implicated in the cheating scandal. They are Renault Macarambon, chief of the election and barangay affairs division; Renato Magbutay, Comelec director for Region 10; Teopisto Elnas Jr., a director at Macarambon’s division; Cirilo Nala Jr., Comelec supervisor for Surigao del Sur; and Francisco Pobe, acting Comelec director for Caraga region. — JE, GMA News