MANILA — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia is considering filing charges against individuals who accused him of allegedly receiving PHP10 million from former bodyguards of former congressman Zaldy Co.

Garcia said he is waiting for the accusers to execute their statements under oath before pursuing legal action.

“Because it is not under oath, we cannot charge them with what is called perjury. Perjury is more serious, the possible punishment for that is up to six years and one day [imprisonment]. So because this was not a sworn statement, we can only charge them with what is called oral defamation,” he said in an interview on Wednesday.

The poll chief denied the allegations, including claims that he received suitcases of cash allegedly linked to anomalous flood control projects.

“It’s a big lie. In our country today, it’s very easy to sell lies as long as there’s a price,” the Comelec chairperson said.

Garcia also suggested that the controversy may be politically motivated, pointing to the upcoming May 2028 elections as a possible factor behind his inclusion in the issue.

“The institution can be destroyed because of that demolition job. So, that’s what we are seeing as a reason,” Garcia said.

The allegation stemmed from a claim made on Tuesday by a former bodyguard of Co, who said they delivered a bag containing PHP10 million in cash to the Comelec chief.