Kris Aquino on vote-buying allegations: 'Sanay na ako sa kaso sa COMELEC'

Rachelle Siazon

<div><img src='' alt='051013-kris_main.jpg' width='305' height='290' align='left' border='0'>Actress Kris Aquino refused to be fazed by COMELEC Chairman Sixto Brillante’s claims that she might possibly be charged with vote-buying for giving a taxi driver in Cebu a huge tip after he agreed to vote for Team PNoy candidates Bam Aquino, Grace Poe Llamanzares, and Senator Francis Escudero in the coming elections. “I know! Oh my God! Last election <i>nagkaroon na rin ako ng kaso,</i> so <i>sanay na ako sa kaso sa</i> COMELEC. <i>Walang problema,</i>” said Kris in an interview with <a href='http://www.Push.com.ph'>Push.com.ph</a> and other media reporters at the <i>Rock The Vote</i> concert held in Lipa, Batangas last May 8.</div><div><br/></div><div>Kris categorically denied the allegations, insisting that other contenders are merely jealous of her effectiveness as a campaign endorser. “Hello, I’ll never vote buy. I just gave him a tip. They’re just so <i>inggit kasi hindi ko sila kina-</i>campaign, sorry.” </div><div><br/></div><div>The Queen of all media had her hands full as she made rounds in Ilo-Ilo and Naga City on May 7, but she was really inspired after getting first-hand experience in interacting with various public servants and their constituents. In fact, Kris made it known that she plans to further learn about managing a city as she intends to venture into politics in 2016. “I think after making<i> ikot, ang bobongga ng mga</i> cities<i> na naikutan ko, </i>especially<i> sa</i> Davao City and Iloilo City. <i>Naramdaman ko</i> I would like to do on the job training with those mayors. <i>Vinolunteer ko yung sarili ko talaga kay </i>Mayor Rodrigo Duterte <i>ng</i> Davao<i> at kay</i> Mayor Jed Mabilog <i>ng</i> Iloilo.<i> Sabi ko, ‘Pwede bang mag</i>-two weeks, two weeks <i>sa inyo para makita ko talaga kung kaya ko?</i> If I have what it takes to be a good public servant.’”</div><div><br/></div><div>As early as now, however, Kris has been receiving criticisms about her plan to seek an elective post including that of CBCP’s Executive Secretary Fr. Melvin Castro who discouraged her from promoting political dynasty. To which the actress-host replied, “<i>Ang tagal pa ng</i> three years <i>noh. Hindi pa nga natin </i>sure<i> kung buhay pa ako</i> in three years so ‘<i>wag muna sila mag-</i>judge.”</div><div><br/></div><div>When asked about how confident she is about her effectiveness as a campaign endorser, Kris maintained that it still all comes down to the decision of the voters. “I can’t quantify it but <i>kasi, eto ha</i>, from what I’ve learned <i>talaga</i>, it boils down to organization and <i>barangay</i> captains, the crowds are there definitely. Bam kept thanking me <i>kanina, </i>thank you <i>daw dahil sumabog talaga sa dami ng tao. Pero sinabi ko, </i>‘Bam, at the end of the day <i>talaga, </i>grassroots support <i>‘yan.</i> An <i>artista </i>can only do so much, <i>pero talagang nandiyan sa</i> organization, <i>sa mga kasama mo, sa mga barangay </i>captains. So keeping our fingers crossed.”</div><div><br/></div><div>As soon as her work commitments are finished, Kris revealed that she will be on vacation for six weeks so she can spend time with her sons Josh and Bimby. “<i>Kapag nag</i>-vacation<i> si</i> Bimb, <i>kasi ang bakasyon niya</i> starts in June until August. I’ll take Josh to some treatment at <i>meron kaming mga </i>treatments <i>na gagawin</i> in July. And then nag-promise <i>ako sa mga anak ko na</i> six weeks <i>na diretso na kami lang,</i> the three of us traveling around, <i>pero </i>priority is to check on Josh,” she stated.</div>

Kris Aquino brushes off claims of vote-buying in Cebu and reveals plans to do on-the-job training in Iloilo and Davao to prepare her for politics in 2016.

Kris Aquino on vote-buying allegations: 'Sanay na ako sa kaso sa COMELEC' | PUSH.COM.PH