Palace defends Bong Go over cash donations

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday dared critics, who accused senatorial candidate and former presidential aide Christopher Go of vote-buying, to file a complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

An online report has quoted Comelec spokesman James Jimenez as saying that Go may have committed an election offense when he distributed cash to fire victims during the campaign period.  

Go provided cash assistance to fire victims in Santa Ana, Manila on Feb. 18, according to the online report.

Go’s staff reportedly handed P2,000 each to families affected by a fire in Makati on March 5. 

Poll watchdogs National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections and Kontra Daya have asked the Comelec to look into reports that Go donated money during the campaign period. 

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the watchdogs could file a complaint against Go before the Comelec. 

“If they feel that he has violated election rules, they may file a complaint to get to the bottom of this. We’ll let the Comelec decide,” Panelo said.

But Panelo is convinced the complaints against Go may not prosper. 

“I looked at the provision. They might have a hard time because what it says there is that will induce the voter to be influenced by what you gave. But it seems that the situation involving Bong Go is different because these are donations and they are fire victims,” Panelo said.  

“The operative word is inducement. If the intention is to induce, then you will be violating the provision. But the problem is, how will you prove inducement, especially in this particular case of Bong Go where they are fire victims,” he added. 

Asked if the Palace would caution Go against distributing cash during the campaign period, Panelo said the former presidential aide is a “responsible person” who has legal advisers. 

“I don’t think Bong Go will be violating any election offense,” Panelo said.