Garci: Witnesses to testify Palace sent emissaries

BAUNGON, Bukidnon, Philippines – Former Commission on Elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano is prepared to prove that he did not send feelers and that it was the government that had approached him for his testimony on supposed cheating in the 2004 presidential race.

Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Ronald Llamas said he received feelers from Garcillano. If Llamas insists on this story, Garcillano said he would be forced to have his friends testify that it was actually the other way around.

In an exclusive interview at his farmhouse last Tuesday, Garcillano said his friends would prove that two government emissaries came to his house here to try and convince him to talk about the alleged poll fraud.

“I am also trying to repair my closed-circuit television (CCTV) to know if the visits of Major Jason Aquino and Jaspher Zunniga here in my house were recorded,” Garcillano said.

Garcillano’s wife Grace claimed Zuniga and Aquino arrived at their house after the former election official’s birthday celebration last July 5.

They were with Cagayan de Oro City businessman George Goking, who introduced the two emissaries to the couple.

Garcillano said he called up common friends like businessman Yuki Woo who ran for mayor in Libona, Bukidnon and many others to come to their house during the visit.

“Without our common friend Goking, the two will not have a chance to meet me because I was busy then in my farm. Goking and several friends can attest to this,” Garcillano said, adding that the two visitors claimed they came from Llamas’ office.

Garcillano added that Aquino also followed them to their house in Subic in the middle of July.

“I did not like that because Major Aquino should have informed us earlier that he was going to meet us. There was no protocol,” Garcillano said.