Manila - George Erwin Garcia, the chairperson of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), on Tuesday categorically denied accusations of owning foreign bank accounts and properties abroad, claims that were recently aired by Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta.
According to Philippines News Agency, the allegations came to light during a press briefing by Marcoleta, who suggested that the Comelec official managed a total of 49 offshore accounts and was involved in transferring approximately PHP1 billion from South Korean-based banks into these accounts. Garcia responded in a separate press conference, adamantly denying these claims. "Let's not beat around the bush. I am the one being referred to. I'm amused they claimed I own so many foreign accounts. Honestly, I don't have even a single one. I can swear to that anywhere," he stated.
The Comelec chief further disclosed his actions in response to these allegations, including contacting the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Last week, Garcia met with NBI Chief Jaime Santiago to request an investigation into the origin of these accusations and to verify the existence of the alleged accounts. "In my letter to the NBI, I requested an investigation into who is spreading these accusations, whether they are true, and I issued a waiver for the alleged accounts listed. If those accounts belong to me, they can check them and take whatever is inside," Garcia elaborated.
Additionally, Garcia refuted owning properties in the United States, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and clarified his travel history. "I have never set foot in the US in my entire life. The statements made at the press conference are highly malicious," he commented. Garcia concluded his remarks by urging Rep. Marcoleta to verify his information thoroughly before making public accusations.