Comelec officials support chairman amid bribery charges

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Commission on Elections (Comelec) supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria stated that Comelec regional directors and supervisors in Western Visayas stand behind their chairman, George Garcia, amidst bribery charges against him.

Ananoria told reporters in a phone interview Wednesday, “I am extending my full and unequivocal support to Chairman Garcia.”

He contended that “these allegations are baseless.”

Ananoria also mentioned that Western Visayas Comelec regional directors have issued a statement of support for Garcia.

He added that 82 provincial supervisors, including lawyers in the Comelec, believe the allegations against Garcia are “unfounded and baseless.”

Ananoria suggested that the accusations aim to discredit Garcia and sabotage the 2025 automated elections.

Garcia was linked to alleged bribery charges by Sagip Partylist Representative Rodante Marcoleta, which he denied.

Meanwhile, Ananoria confirmed that voter registration is ongoing until September 30, 2024, with the filing of candidacy to follow in the first week of October.