Batangas: A complaint has been filed against a local candidate in Batangas province over alleged abuse of state resources (ASR) before the Commission on Elections (Comelec). In his complaint, Raneo Abu alleged that Batangas Rep. Jinky Bitrics Luistro, who is seeking re-election, was present during the distributions of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) in several campaign activities in the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, Abu claimed that on two separate occasions during the official campaign period, Jinky Bitrics Luistro made public appearances during the distribution of government financial assistance, AICS. Abu argued that Luistro’s campaign events were designed to coincide with these payouts, where she not only delivered speeches to persuade people to vote for her but also attributed the distribution to herself.
Abu asserted that such acts constitute ASR as Luistro allegedly influenced public perception by making it appear that the beneficiaries of the government program owed their receipt of aid to her. He further stated that Luistro used her position and official power to influence and manipulate voters, thereby undermining the electoral system and democratic governance.
In response to the accusations, Luistro dismissed them as part of a “massive demolition job” by her opponents, as seen in a video posted on her Facebook page.
In a related development, senatorial candidate and Valenzuela City Rep. Eric Martinez is among 24 candidates in the upcoming May 12 elections facing disqualification cases before the Comelec due to illegal campaign materials. Separate petitions have been filed against Martinez and other candidates by the Comelec-Task Force Baklas.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that despite repeated requests to remove illegal campaign materials, the candidates continued to defy the directives, prompting the filing of disqualification cases. Among those facing charges are gubernatorial bets Salvador Violago and Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, mayoral candidates Christopher Clemente and Maria Lourdes Alejandrino, and several vice mayoral and councilor candidates from various regions.
