MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified a possible culprit in the incident involving pre-shaded ballots in Maluso, Basilan, but said it would first conduct an internal investigation and give the person due process.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said Wednesday that the incident could constitute an election offense and a criminal case, prompting the commission to build its case before identifying the person publicly.
"We have already identified a suspect [culprit]. However, it is naturally better for us—since this is an internal investigation—that we grant what is called due process, especially because this is an election offense, a criminal case," Garcia said in Filipino
"They might say we just randomly pinpointed or pointed fingers," he added.
According to the poll chief, Comelec wanted to establish an airtight case because of the penalty involved.
"It's better for us to build up the case so that it's airtight, because remember, the penalty is life imprisonment," he stated in Filipino.
Garcia said that the case could be the first in which the Comelec files a case involving electoral sabotage.
"If ever, this would be the very first time we can say COMELEC will file a case of electoral sabotage," he said.
