Crisologo released after arrest over alleged vote-buying

QUEZON CITY 1^st District Rep. Vicente “Bingbong” P. Crisologo, who is running for mayor, was released on Monday afternoon after being arrested on Sunday night for supposed obstruction of justice in relation to an alleged vote-buying scheme by his team. Mr. Crisologo, along with his son Frederick and 43 election watchers, were arrested at a residence in Barangay Toro that was allegedly being used as a vote-buying site. According to the police report, Mr. Crisologo arrived when authorities were about to arrest those in the house and threatened the police officers. The situation further escalated when Mr. Crisologo’s son, who introduced himself as a lawyer, arrived and meddled in the incident. Quezon City Station 3 commander Police Lt. Col. Alex Alberto then ordered the father and son arrested along with the others. In a video posted in his Facebook page, Mr. Crisologo claimed that election watchers were just being trained and that he intends to sue the Quezon City police for trespassing in the residence. In response, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar D. Albayalde said in Filipino: “If he thinks that he was abused, it’s up to him…it’s his right to feel that way.” — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras