Comelec says no responsibility over 'fake news' vs Colmenares, party-lists

MANILA - The Commission on Elections has no responsibility over senatorial aspirants and party-lists who were hit by fake news about the supposed cancellation of their candidacies, the poll body’s spokesperson said Monday.

Senatorial aspirant Neri Colmenares earlier called on the poll body to “take action” against these forms of “harassment” against candidates.

“How is that our responsibility?” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told ABS-CBN News.

“Kung naoperate sila ng kalaban nila hindi ba part yan ng perils ng election?” he said.

Jimenez said the Comelec had released statements clarifying that Colmenares and the Makabayan-affiliated party-lists were still part of the race.

“We did that for them. They should have done the same. It’s their candidacy,” he said.

As of 7:20 p.m. with 95.29 percent of votes counted, Colmenares settled at the 24th spot with 4,574,467 votes.

Of the 5 party-lists that were allegedly disqualified from the race, only Bayan Muna got more than the 2 percent vote requirement to earn at least 1 seat in the House of Representatives.

The 4 other party-lists - Kabataan, Anakpawis, Gabriela and Alliance of Concerned Teachers - received less than 2 percent of votes.

• Colmenares decries reports he, 5 Makabayan parties disqualified in polls

Actress Angel Locsin also slammed black propaganda hurled against her relative Colmenares.

Locsin alleged that men dressed as policemen were giving away police newsletters which tagged Colmenares as a communist rebel.

“If you don't believe in him, don't vote for him. Spreading lies and destroying the reputation of someone with pure intention is what I don't agree with,” the actress said.

• Angel Locsin cries foul over 'lies, black prop' against Neri Colmenares