Comelec chair denies offshore accounts, to seek US DOJ probe

Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta accused Comelec Chairperson George Garcia of owning offshore bank accounts in the Cayman Islands and New York, presenting bank transfer receipts as evidence.

Garcia dismissed the accusations, stating the offshore accounts presented by Marcoleta are fake and questioning the validity of the receipts, which he believes were falsified by a US-based PR firm hired by Marcoleta's team.

Garcia announced he will seek assistance from the US Department of Justice (US DOJ) to flag a possible bank fraud case, citing identity theft and the misuse of his name in relation to the alleged accounts.

He stated that while legal recourses in the Philippines are available, he prefers to participate in Congressional investigations to debunk the allegations.

Marcoleta had previously claimed his team verified the accounts by depositing money, which allegedly yielded Garcia's name.

Garcia said he will issue fresh absolute waivers against the two offshore bank accounts and has written to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) regarding the matter.

Marcoleta also requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the AMLC to formally investigate the accusations.

Marcoleta suggested the development makes the awarding of the P18-billion automated election contract to a joint venture led by a South Korean firm suspicious.