Comelec subpoenas 2 Abra bets on vote buying

BANGUED, Abra, Philippines – Two mayoral candidates were subpoenaed by the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to answer charges that they were engaging in vote buying.

Police served the Comelec subpoenas to former mayor Dominic Valera of this capital town who is running again, and Jasen Valera who is seeking the mayorship of Pidigan town.

The two were given 15 days to answer the charges.

Earlier, opposition congressional bet Hans Roger Luna accused administration candidates of distributing sample ballots with P3,000 attached to them.

Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin and Rep. Joy Bernos, both seeking re-election, and the governor’s niece Charrie who is running for vice governor, have denied being involved in vote buying.

“We don’t have to buy votes in order to win,” they said, adding they are confident of winning because of their accomplishments.