Probe on use of health cards in sorties urged

MANILA, Philippines - Militant groups on Wednesday appealed to the Commission on Elections to probe the  alleged use of Philhealth cards by President Benigno Aquino III in campaign sorties of Liberal Party to woo voters for senatorial candidates. 

In their letter to Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr., Anakpawis partylist, Pamalakaya fisherfolk group, Unyon ng Mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura said the poll body is legally, politically and morally bound to undertake a through investigation on the accusations.

"While there is nothing wrong with the distribution of Philhealth cards to our poor people and indigent folks, the distribution should have been done several months ahead of the election period that officially started last February 12," the groups said.

The groups cited that last Feb.14, national media reported that local government officials in Bohol allied with LP distributed Philhealth cards and three kilos of rice to indigent residents.

The reported distribution of cards and bags of rice took place some 200 meters away  from whistlestops of the motorcade in the province staged by senatorial candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance.

The  groups claimed that this was not the first time  Aquino made news about his active and open involvement in the campaign of LP senatorial bets.

Few days before the start of the election campaign for national candidates,  the president led the distribution of Philhealth cards in areas controlled by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the group added. 

"The act is deemed an invitation to the Moro community to  vote for the senatorial candidates of LP in the May 2013 elections," the groups  added.  - Dennis Carcamo