Garcia sees Smartmatic behind 'demolition job'

Documents obtained by the Commission on Elections point to technology provider Smartmatic as possibly behind what Comelec Chairman George Garcia sees as a demolition job against him, according to the poll chief.

- MAYEN JAYMALIN

By searching online, Garcia said the Comelec was able to obtain documents showing the Jaleo Consulting LLC, which deposited money to his alleged bank accounts in Cayman Islands, is owned by a certain Jose Herrera.

An online search of Herrera's identity showed he is a director of Albatross Technologies Corp., which has the same address as Smartmatic in the US.

Garcia said they found out that Herrera, who also served as counsel for Smartmatic, is the father-in-law of one of the owners of the service provider.

"Why did the searches lead to only one company? There are many attached firms, but there is only one main company," Garcia said.

" He said he sent a letter to the US Justice Department, requesting to investigate the matter for possible violation of the AntiMoney Laundering Law as well as bank fraud and identity theft.

"This is a direct intervention to the Philippine elctions by a foreign entity.

That is prohibited under the law," Garcia said yesterday in a press conference, wherein he presented the documents.

Smartmatic denied Garcia's accusations and expressed regret that the company's name is being dragged into the controversy.