Evidence needed in poll fraud claims--solon

MANILA, Philippines -- Statements made by a witness and a former censors chief in the media about alleged fraud in the May 10 national elections should be backed up by evidence, Makati Representative Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Friday at the resumption of the hearing by the House committee on electoral reforms and suffrage, of which the lawmaker is chairman.

The masked man, whom Locsin has called a "koala bear," claimed that votes were shaved from the total votes of administration candidates Gilbert Teodoro and former President Joseph Estrada in favor of another presidential candidate.

Manoling Morato, former censors chief, who appeared before the committee Wednesday, said seven men who introduced themselves as Commission on Elections officials approached him and offered their services to help Teodoro gain votes.

In Friday's hearing, lawyer Angeline Carrasco also narrated about the flash cards and election paraphernalia found in a dumpsite in Cagayan de Oro.

Source: Inquirer