Comelec panel junks vote buying complaint vs Villar

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) Committee on Kontra Bigay has dismissed the vote buying complaint against senatorial bet and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar.

The committee said Villar has "satisfactorily” countered the accusation of involvement in the distribution of cash and raffle prizes in an event in Cavite. The lawmaker explained the event occurred before the start of the campaign period.

“Several Affidavits of Attestation were likewise submitted to attest that the event indeed occurred on 9 February 2025 and was belatedly posted on social media on the reported date of 16 February 2025,” Comelec Committee on Kontra Bigay vice chairperson Teofisto Elnas said in a document dated May 7.

“Upon evaluation of the evidence gathered, the undersigned deems the same insufficient to proceed to the filing of a complaint for election offense and/or a petition for disqualification,” he said.

Villar thanked the poll body for its decision.

“I assure everyone that I am running on a clean platform, pursuing only my advocacies that aim to make lives better for the Filipinos,” she said in a statement.

Villar is running under the administration slate Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.