Comelec Dismisses Disqualification Case Against Camille Villar Over Vote-Buying
CAMILLE VILLAR – The senatorial candidate expressed relief and gratitude after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) dismissed the disqualification case filed against her. Villar warmly welcomed the decision, saying it was a significant development that would help her campaign in the remaining days before the May 12 elections.
In a statement, she thanked the Comelec for promptly issuing the resolution that cleared her of the vote-buying allegations. Villar emphasized her commitment to running a clean and honest campaign, grounded in her advocacies for the welfare of women, youth, and Filipino families. “I assure everyone that I am running on a clean platform, pursuing only my advocacies that aim to make lives better for the Filipinos,” she said.
The disqualification case stemmed from accusations that Camille Villar engaged in vote-buying after a video circulated online showing her presence at an event in Cavite, where money was reportedly distributed to attendees. The video, posted on February 16, led to a formal complaint and a show cause order from the Comelec’s Committee on Kontra Bigay, prompting Villar to address the issue.
In response, Villar clarified that the event in question took place on February 9—two days before the official campaign period began on February 11. She also stated that she was merely a guest at the event and had no direct involvement in the distribution of prizes.
The committee reviewed the evidence submitted by Villar’s camp and found it sufficient to dismiss the complaint. In a letter dated May 7, Committee Vice-Chairperson Teofisto Elnas Jr. confirmed that the evidence did not support the filing of an election offense or a petition for disqualification. He noted that Villar had “satisfactorily explained the circumstances” surrounding the allegations.
With the case now closed, Villar is focused on continuing her campaign and promoting her platform centered on genuine public service. She reiterated her commitment to uplifting the lives of ordinary Filipinos and vowed to maintain integrity throughout her candidacy.