Metro Manila, Philippines – The head of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said he plans to file a bank fraud complaint in the United State over his supposed offshore bank accounts with poll-related transactions.
In an interview with NewsWatch Plus on Friday, Comelec Chairman George Garcia categorically denied having US accounts.
He also bared plans to seek assistance from the US Department of Justice (DOJ).
“Ako mismo ay susulat sa US DOJ sapagkat magko-complain ako dahil iyan ay bank fraud sapagkat pinalabas na ako ay may account samantalang wala naman sa Amerika. Ni hindi pa ko nakakapunta doon, wala po akong visa,” Garcia said
[Translation: I will write to the US Department of Justice because I intend to file a complaint for bank fraud, as it falsely claims that I have an account when I don’t even have a visa to go to America. In fact, I haven’t been there at all.]
On Wednesday, Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta filed a resolution seeking a congressional probe on the “alleged bribery and corruption involving Comelec Chairman Garcia and Miru Systems and its local partners.”
South Korean firm Miru bagged the P18-billion contract for the 2025 automated polls.
Marcoleta said some questionable transactions in Garcia’s supposed offshore accounts include deposits made by people affiliated with Miru.
Garcia said the accusations are unfair. He has signed sworn statements and bank waivers to prove his innocence. He also welcomed a possible House investigation.
“Umaasa ako na sana magpatawag ng pagdinig mismo talaga ang ating Kongreso sapagkat magkakaalaman sino ba talaga ang mga nasa likod nito,” Garcia said.
[Translation: I hope that Congress will call for a hearing so we can determine who is really behind this.]
WATCH: Comelec Chairman George Garcia looks forward to a congressional probe on his supposed offshore accounts funded by people linked to Miru Systems, the South Korean group that bagged the 2025 automated poll contract.
Garcia has denied the accusations and vowed to file a bank… pic.twitter.com/HckiuznPIM
— NewsWatch Plus PH (@newswatchplusph) August 2, 2024
