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Report: Comelec to question Pacman, JDV


The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will summon Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao and House Speaker Jose de Venecia as it investigates reports that the two handed out insurance cards to win voters' nods. Interviewed at a press conference in San Juan, Comelec Chair Benjamin Abalos was quoted by dzBB radio as saying he wanted the two to personally give their side on the matter. He said the act may have been in violation of the Omnibus Election Code, but noted Pacquiao and De Venecia must be allowed to speak up as part of "due process." Pacquiao is running in the congressional race at the first district of South Cotabato while De Venecia is seeking reelection at the fourth district of Pangasinan. Television video footage allegedly showed the two handing out the cards, the dzBB radio report said. Both Pacquiao and De Venecia are key figures in the administration coalition, which has been pestered of late by allegations of vote-buying. Administration ally Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and Team Unity senatorial candidate Luis "Chavit" Singson have been criticized for alleged "vote-buying" attempts on village officials to ensure favorable poll results. Singson, the incumbent governor of Ilocos Sur province, was earlier caught on tape handing out cash prizes at a local raffle. He has maintained that such was not in violation of election laws. - GMANews.TV

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