PH FUTURE. “Fuel your passion to dream and lay the path to your destiny.” Rep. Camille Villar shared this message during the 61st commencement exercises of the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), where she was invited to be the event’s guest speaker. After the ceremonies, Rep. Villar interacted with the students, shaking their hands and congratulating them for the milestone. She also posed for photos with ESSU officials and other special guests, among them, (from L to R) ESSU VP for Administration Dr. Rhodora Mendoza, ESSU President Andres C. Pagatpatan, Jr., Ms. Allana Montelibano, and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan.
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has decided not to pursue a vote-buying complaint against senatorial candidate Camille Villar.
The decision follows Villar’s response to allegations stemming from a Cavite event where a raffle with cash prizes was held.
The Comelec had previously instructed Villar to explain why she should not be disqualified over the allegations. Villar denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the event, which featured a raffle with cash prizes, occurred on February 9th, before the official start of the campaign period.
She further clarified that the event was a promotional activity for ALLTV2 Network and that she was merely an invited guest.
The Comelec’s anti-vote-buying body, the Committee on Kontra Bigay, reviewed Villar’s explanation and found it satisfactory.
In a letter to Villar signed by Vice Chair Teopisto Elnas Jr., the committee stated that Villar’s response adequately addressed the circumstances surrounding the event. Based on the evidence presented, the committee concluded that there was insufficient basis to file a complaint for an election offense or a petition for disqualification.
This decision brings a close to the investigation, clearing Villar of the vote-buying allegations.
