Party-list group faces DQ petition after awarding cars as prizes

MANILA, Philippines — A party-list is facing a disqualification petition after it allegedly gave away cars as grand prizes recently when such activity is prohibited during the election campaign period, but the group maintained that they were compliant with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules.

Petitioner Jay Ilagan, incumbent mayor of Mataas Na Kahoy town in Batangas who is now running for governor of the province, went to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to formally lodge his complaint against the Construction Workers Solidarity (CWS) party-list.

Ilagan said the party-list group was involved in giving away three cars during an event held in Lipa City last Feb. 13 to 15.

The 90-day campaign period already began on Feb. 11, during which certain prohibitions are now in effect.

READ: Holding raffles by political bets is not yet a poll offense – Comelec

The petitioner noted that awarding prizes such as cars constitutes vote buying under the Omnibus Election Code.

In an interview with reporters, Ilagan said he witnessed the awarding of these prizes personally.  He said he also attached in his petition several pictures and social media screen grabs of the event where the party-list group awarded the vehicles.

Ilagan said he is convinced that the case he filed has strong merits.

“Kumpletos rekados ito (It has the complete ingredients),” he said of his evidence against the party-list group.

The CWS party-list, however, said they have yet to receive a copy of the petition, but the group said they will soon address the accusations.

“The CWS Party-list has not received a copy of the disqualification complaint filed against us by Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan, and, therefore, cannot comment on its specific allegations at this time,” party-list first nominee Edwin Gardiola said in a message to INQUIRER.net on Monday.

“However, I want to assure the public that CWS Party-list has always been and continues to be compliant with all relevant laws, rules and regulations set forth by the Commission on Elections,” Gardiola continued. “Rest assured, we will address these accusations at the appropriate time and in the proper forum.”