The Commission on Election late on Sunday dismissed as "fake news" reports that Vice President Leni Robredo was disqualified from running for president due to her supporters' crowdfunding efforts.
Comelec has not released an official list of candidates so technically, there are no violations yet until the official campaign starts, poll body spokesman James Jimenez said. "Nothing's set in stone until the 15th of November," he said, referring to the deadline for candidate substitution.
"VP Leni Robredo has not been disqualified. Video and articles that imply or suggest otherwise are #fakenews. COMELEC's reminders on prohibited sources of funding apply to all would-be candidates. #fightfake," Jimenez said in a tweet.
Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon earlier reminded politicians that foreigners cannot contribute to any Filipino candidate. She was reacting to an ANC report on crowdfunding for Robredo.
Robredo said on Friday that the crowdfunding page was volunteer-driven. She said those who set up the page were also reminded of Comelec regulations including the prohibition on foreign donors.
Former Commission on Audit commissioner Heidi Mendoza, who has a reputation for spotting graft, is checking the flow of donations as part of a volunteer auditors group, the Vice President said.
"Sabi ko, baka puwedeng sila 'yung mag-audit nung lahat ng pumapasok na donations para siguraduhin na ang transparency and accountability ng paggamit ng donations ay nandoon," she said.
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