The case stemmed from a letter Abu allegedly distributed to his scholars endorsing his candidates for the position of barangay chairman. Said correspondences were addressed to scholars of the Congressman,” the complaint read. One set of letters contained Abu’s endorsement of Carlos Magtibay, a candidate for the position of chairman in Barangay Tayuman and Ignacio Panopio for Barangay Alalum. According to the complainants, the letters were sent to recipients of scholarship financial assistance sourced from the lawmaker’s “pork barrel” making them beholden to the official. “In fact I was informed that the scholars who will not vote for the congressman’s endorsed candidate will be removed from the scholarship program,” the complaint read.

Source: Manila Times May 11, 2018 16:18 UTC