By Nimfa L. Estrellado Mayor Angelica Portes appears in a video with Edmundo Bote, who retracted parts of his statement and apologized amid ...
 |
| Mayor Angelica Portes appears in a video with Edmundo Bote, who retracted parts of his statement and apologized amid a vote-buying case. (Screenshot from Mayor Portes Video) |
PAGBILAO, Quezon — Mayor Angelica Portes on Tuesday, April 28 said she could be arrested at any time in a vote-buying case as Edmundo Bote Antipolo appeared with her in a video retracting parts of his statement and apologizing. She maintained the allegations against her have no basis but acknowledged the case is moving forward and could lead to a warrant of arrest.
“Kung kinakailangan po akong sumama sa mga awtoridad anumang oras mula ngayon, gagawin ko po ito nang maayos at walang pag-aatubili bilang paggalang sa batas. Nauunawaan ko po na ito ay bahagi lamang ng proseso at hindi nangangahulugan ng aking pagkakasala sa mga ibinibintang sa akin.” Portes said.
Portes said she had received word from the Commission on Elections that the case would proceed despite changes in Antipolo’s statement, noting that a warrant may still be issued as part of the legal process. She added that cooperating with authorities is part of due process and that she is ready to do so peacefully if required.
Records show the complaint is undergoing review within COMELEC’s legal process, which includes evaluation by its law department before any possible court filing. Election officials have said that formal actions, such as the issuance of subpoenas or warrants, follow established procedures and may not occur immediately.
Portes said she intends to face the case directly and has nothing to hide, describing the situation as both a personal test and a measure of fairness. She added that the process will continue under the law, expressing confidence that the truth will come out in time.
In the same video, Antipolo said he came forward to clarify his earlier statements and address confusion surrounding his account of the incident. He also apologized to the mayor, acknowledging the harm caused by his earlier claims and saying he wanted to correct them.
“Humihingi po ako ng taos-pusong tawad kay Mayor Gigi sa nagawa kong pagkakamali na nagdulot ng sakit at problema sa kanya at sa kanyang pamilya. Nais ko pong itama ang lahat at linisin ang kanyang pangalan dahil alam ko na hindi siya dapat nadamay sa mga paratang na ito.” he said.
Antipolo said he was offered ₱150,000 tied to a job opportunity that did not materialize and was later left without support by those he dealt with. He said his official statement did not match his actual testimony, pointing to differences between what he said and what was written down.
“Hindi po ito ang tunay kong salaysay at marami pong bahagi ang hindi tumutugma sa aking aktwal na sinabi noong ako ay kinausap at pinapirma. Hindi ko po kailanman isinangkot si Mayor sa usaping ito at labis kong ikinalulungkot na nadawit siya dahil sa maling paglalagay ng impormasyon.” he added.
He said key details were left out of the complaint, including another person involved in the transactions, raising questions about how the case was put together and why the mayor’s name was emphasized. He added that he was urged to change parts of his account during the process, prompting him to correct inconsistencies in his sworn statement.
COMELEC guidelines state that recantations are assessed carefully and do not automatically overturn earlier sworn statements, noting that cases proceed based on available evidence. Election law classifies vote-buying as a criminal offense, with cases continuing once formally filed in court.
Portes said unclear steps and poorly explained details contributed to confusion in Antipolo’s account, noting that he later chose to correct it on his own. She said this forms part of her claim that the accusations against her are unfounded and that she continues to rely on the legal process.
She also raised the possibility of political motives behind the case, saying some individuals may be trying to push her out of office for their own interests. She did not name anyone but said efforts are underway to damage her reputation and weaken public trust in her leadership.
She urged supporters to remain calm as the process unfolds and reiterated her readiness to comply with authorities if required. She thanked residents for their prayers and support, saying their trust helps her face the situation with dignity and resolve.
“Alam ko pong darating ang ganitong pagkakataon at matagal ko na po itong inihahanda sa aking sarili at sa aking pamilya. Buo po ang aking tiwala na mananaig ang katarungan at lalabas din ang katotohanan sa tamang panahon.” the mayor said.
.jpg)
No comments