FORMER Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, known as the central figure in the “Hello Garci” scandal, passed away last March 29 at his home in Baungon, Bukidnon.
“The Comelec is saddened by his death and we immediately sent our condolences to the family of former commissioner Garcillano,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said in a press briefing in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The poll chief said Garcillano was a long-time member of the poll body who previously served as an election officer, provincial election supervisor, and regional election director of the commission.
“For the longest time, he has served the public. This is why we will continue to honor and respect him,” said Garcia.
Garcillano gained national attention due to his alleged involvement in the “Hello Garci” scandal that attended the 2004 presidential polls.
The scandal involved alleged wiretapped conversations between Garcillano and a woman believed to be then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was seeking re-election.
The conversation centered around the supposed manipulation of the results of the 2004 presidential elections, which was eventually won by Arroyo.
