Senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos has opted to leave allegations of electoral fraud involving Senator Imee Marcos to the discretion of relevant authorities, stating that it is up to them to assess and respond as necessary.
“This is the first time we’ve heard of the allegation. I will leave it to the proper authorities to assess and respond to the allegation, if warranted,” Abalos, who previously served as the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said in a statement on Monday night, May 12.
The controversy centers around Marcos’ claim that certain automated counting machines (ACMs) used by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) allegedly registered votes for Abalos, even when his number was not marked on the ballot. She further suggested that these machines were “programmed” to produce such results.
Marcos, once an ally of the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, distanced herself from the group in March following the arrest and transfer of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Amid the allegations, Abalos emphasized his campaign’s positive momentum, highlighting a “6-percent increase” in his standing according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. “This momentum is real. This movement is growing. And we are prepared to carry the trust of the Filipino people all the way to the Senate,” he declared.
Abalos also listed the support of various personalities and organizations, including Vice President Leni Robredo, Senate President Drilon, ULAP, Liga ng mga Barangay, LCP, JIL Church, Vice Ganda, MOWELFUND Chair Boots Anson-Roa, and Ai Ai delas Alas, among others.
