‘Comelec can’t blame public for doubts over F2 deal’

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s decision to enter into a contract with a company linked to a major campaign contributor of President Duterte for the distribution of ballots and equipment for the May 2022 elections is a question of “propriety,” the camp of Vice President Leni Robredo said yesterday.

Lawyer Barry Gutierrez, spokesperson for Robredo, said the Comelec cannot blame the public for doubts on the poll body and F2 Logistics Philippines Inc., linked to Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy.

“Isn’t it right? Is propriety there? You know that it’s a big donor, a friend close to a certain politician, and you will give his company a big contract for the Comelec, which is supposed to be impartial?” Gutierrez said during Robredo’s weekly radio program BISErbisyong LENI.

Gutierrez said it is important to ensure the integrity of ballots, vote-counting machines and election materials by F2 Logistics for the May 2022 elections.

“We all agree that we need to have clean elections. There should be no chance to have manipulations in the process. That’s what we are all watching. We hope the Comelec understands this,” he added.

Despite objections from various sectors, the Comelec pushed through with the signing of the P535.99-million contract with F2 Logistics for the distribution of ballots, vote-counting machines and other election paraphernalia.

The deal was opposed and questioned for conflict of interest because “Uy is an ally and major campaign contributor of Duterte.”