SEN. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Tuesday said government aid programs should not be used to entice Filipinos to support the people's initiative for Charter change (Cha-cha).

During a hearing by the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People's Participation, some witnesses testified that they were approached by a certain group, asking them to sign the people's initiative petition in exchange for government assistance.

Go called on the government to ensure its resources are used to benefit Filipinos in need and not as a bribe.

Earlier, Go and his fellow senators donned white attire and armbands to show their opposition to the people's initiative.

The senator urged Filipinos to be vigilant against politicians pushing their personal agendas.

In response to bribery allegations in connection with the people's initiative campaign, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said during the hearing that it recognized the seriousness of the claims but added no formal complaints had been filed on the matter.

The Comelec said that even though the Omnibus Election Code is supplementary in character and can be utilized under Republic Act 6735, the agency does not have jurisdiction over bribery or fund misuse in the context of signature gathering.

There were allegations that P20 million worth of programs were promised to each congressional district capable of delivering the requisite number of supportive signatures for the people's initiative.

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