Candidates with cases face big risk–Panelo

Candidates facing trial for corruption but still decided to run were doing so “at a big risk,” according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

Panelo, in an interview with Radyo Inquirer, said although he believed candidates who had not been convicted might still run, they would do so at the risk of being rejected.

“If you ask me, it will be a big risk for them,” Panelo said.

“Rightly or wrongly, many people think that they are involved [in corruption],” he said.

“They take the risk of being repudiated,” he added.

Panelo made the remarks when asked to comment on the bids of three former senators whohad been charged with graft and plunder for pocketing millions of pesos in kickbacks in the so-called pork barrel scam allegedly masterminded by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

3 former senators

Former Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada filed certificates of candidacies themselves as they were out on bail.

Former Sen. Bong Revilla, who is still detained, filed his candidacy through his wife, re- electionist Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado.

Right to reject

Even with President Duterte’s tough stance against corruption, Panelo said the government could not violate the Constitution by barring candidates who had not yet been convicted.

Panelo, however, said the choice to elect them again into office, despite their reputations marred by cases of corruption, was one that solely remained with voters.

“It’s really up to the voters,” he said.

“If they feel that these candidates are not deserving or worthy, they have the right to vote against these candidates,” he added.

Panelo said there were instances in which a candidate, who was facing criminal cases, ended up being exonerated despite popular public opinion.

“We have cases in which they are exonerated despite the public’s perception that they are guilty,” he said.

“And yet, there is no evidence and they end up exonerated,” he added.