BATANGAS Second District Representative Jinky Bitrics Luistro, who is seeking reelection, is facing a possible election offense case as she has been accused of committing abuse of state resources (ASR).
In a verified complaint filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), complainant Raneo Abu alleged that Luistro was present during the distribution of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (Aics) in several campaign activities in Batangas.
"On two separate occasions during the official campaign period, and in the course of scheduled campaign activities, Jinky Bitrics Luistro, a candidate for public office, made public appearances during the distribution of the government financial assistance, Aics," Abu said.
"Her campaign events were designed to coincide with these pay-out, where she not only delivered speeches to convince people to vote for her, but also attributed the said distribution to herself," he added.
He claimed that in Luistro's public addresses, she implied that the release of the ayuda was due to her personal efforts as congresswoman.
"She gave the impression that the assistance was made possible because of her efforts and resources, thereby misrepresenting a regular government program as one for which she should be credited," said Abu.
The complainant said such acts are clearly ASR acts as she unduly influences public perception by "making it appear that beneficiaries of the government program owe their receipt of aid to her."
"Luistro directly used her position and official power to induce, influence, and manipulate the voters and ultimately undermines the electoral system, which is detrimental to democratic governance," said Abu.
An ASR is defined as acts wherein government manpower and resources were used for partisan political activity. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)