Senate probe bares alleged ‘ayuda' for Pl signature

Ayuda for your signature.

- CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

Residents testified at a Senate hearing in Davao City yesterday that they were made to sign people’s initiative (PI) signature sheets with the promise that they would be given ayuda or financial assistance, food packages and other benefits.

The continuing probe by the Senate committee on electoral reform and people’s participation chaired by Sen. Imee Marcos has focused on the residents and critics of the latest Charter change push, speaking of bribery and of money clandestinely changing hands during the signature drive.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte, who has openly opposed the latest Chacha push, was on the guest list but did not show up at the hearing. The Senate hearing, which lasted