Comelec Chairman Garcia Traces Offshore Bank Transactions to Smartmatic

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia has refrained from directly accusing Smartmatic of being involved in the offshore bank accounts linked to his name, but he presented evidence suggesting a connection during a press conference on Thursday.

Garcia revealed that a foreign entity named Jaleo Consulting, LLC, registered in Florida, USA, was responsible for the alleged offshore transactions. “Jaleo Consulting, LLC sent it. When I discovered this, I was taken aback because it implies direct intervention in the elections of the Philippines by a foreign entity, which is strictly prohibited,” Garcia stated.

He further disclosed that a certain Jose A. Herrera, the owner of Jaleo Consulting, is associated with Albatross Technologies Corporation. “The owner of Jaleo is a person named Jose A. Herrera. He is not Filipino,” Garcia noted. “Jose Herrera is also a director of Albatross Technologies Corporation, which indicates a connection there.”

Garcia pointed out that Albatross Technologies Corporation shares the same address as Smartmatic Services Corporation, based on documentation he provided to the media. “I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but their addresses are identical,” he said.

Smartmatic previously served as Comelec's provider of vote-counting machines until the commission disqualified the company from participating in the bidding for the 2025 midterm automated elections to maintain the integrity of the electoral process, as stated by Garcia in November 2023.

Garcia delved deeper into the background of Jose Herrera and his ties to Smartmatic. “Is this just a coincidence? I hope we can clarify why they share the same address. However, we didn’t stop there; I investigated further into who Jose Herrera really is. He is a lawyer for our former provider and, most importantly, the father-in-law of one of the founders and owners of our previous provider,” he explained.

Garcia also mentioned that several companies, including Albatross Technologies Corporation, operate under the Smartmatic umbrella. 

SAGIP party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta had previously alleged that Garcia owned offshore bank accounts and presented documents purportedly showing bank transfers worth $100 to Garcia’s alleged offshore accounts. Marcoleta claimed they had enlisted volunteers in New York to make these deposits.

Garcia refuted Marcoleta’s claims, stating that the foreign banks involved in the $100 transfers were newly opened accounts. He explained that transactions could proceed even with incorrect names, provided the account numbers were accurate.

“We inquired with two offshore banks—Cayman National Bank and Scotia Bank—about the account opening process,” Garcia said. “They have numerous requirements, but one thing was clear: you must be personally present at any branch where you intend to open an account.”

The banks also confirmed via email that no accounts exist under his name, according to Garcia. “What does this mean? You cannot open an account online; you must visit their branch in person, even if it’s in the Cayman Islands. I haven’t traveled there, nor do I have a visa. Someone must have gone there to open an account,” he emphasized.

Garcia’s statements come amid ongoing scrutiny of his financial dealings and the electoral process in the Philippines, as the Comelec prepares for the upcoming elections.

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