Comelec can't clear 2 in fraud case: Lagman

MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Gus Lagman said the poll body is not working to get 2 election officers facing poll fraud charges cleared.

Lagman said only the court has the power to acquit an accused in the case, and not the Comelec.

On Tuesday, Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos said the Comelec is planning to have former poll superviors Lilian Radam and Yogie Martirizar acquitted. The two are accused of alleged fraud in the 2007 elections.

Mayor Abalos opposed plans to allow Radam and Martirizar to turn state witness. Abalos' father, Benjamin Abalos, is in jail for alleged poll fraud. Report from ANC