Comelec chair to file ethics complaint vs Rep. Marcoleta

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia plans to file an ethics complaint against Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta for allegedly fabricating and falsifying documents related to purported offshore bank accounts.

Marcoleta had previously claimed Garcia owned offshore accounts and presented documents suggesting deposits were made into these accounts, allegedly facilitated by volunteers in New York.

Garcia has denied these allegations, stating that the foreign banks mentioned had recently opened accounts and that transactions can proceed with accurate account numbers even if names are incorrect.

Marcoleta stated he has no issue with Garcia filing an ethics complaint, asserting his actions were aimed at ensuring clean elections and protecting the Comelec.

The dispute originated from Marcoleta's claims that a Comelec official's offshore accounts received P1 billion in deposits coinciding with the Comelec's procurement of its automated election system.

Garcia stated he is awaiting the results of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) probe into the alleged offshore accounts, emphasizing the credibility of an NBI investigation.

Comelec officials held a press conference to expose what they believe is a "well-oiled" demolition campaign against the poll body by a "foreign entity" and individuals.

Marcoleta previously linked Garcia to offshore accounts and called for a House probe into alleged deposits made by a "high-ranking Comelec official" for possible violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.