Comelec Chairman George Garcia warned that the accusations linking him to the so‑called “Maleta Boys” scandal may be part of a broader maneuver tied to the 2028 elections.
Garcia, accused of receiving millions from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, branded the allegations as a ploy to force his resignation — a move he vowed not to make, noting his term runs until 2029.
He stressed that his office has no connection to flood control projects, rejecting any link to the alleged payoffs. Garcia suggested handlers exploited the accusers’ financial desperation: “Napakadali kasing magsinungaling lalo na’t ang parusa ay di ganoon kabigat, lumang batas kasi tayo tungkol sa perjury,” he told One News’ Sa Totoo Lang.
“Lumang batas tapos kung ang katapat naman noon ay malaking amount, lalo na yung kumakalat na napakalaking halaga ang involved versus doon sa makukulong ka lang,” he added.
“Eh kung sadyang wala ka naming trabaho sa kasalukuyan, tatanggapin mo na lang ang ino-offer sa iyo kesehodang magsinungaling ka total naman konti lang ang pagkakakulong.’
Garcia revealed that one handler was a retired Armed Forces of the Philippines official, hinting at other personalities possibly facing cases before the poll body.
“Yung handler po kasi ay isang retired official din ng AFP, pero siyempre, maliban po sa kanya, meron naman pong nasa likod din yan na hindi ko alam ang motibo. Baka may mga kaso po nandito sa amin na hinahawakan ng COMELEC,” he said.
The chairman said he is completing documentation before filing charges against those involved. # (RRN)
