Singer Imelda Papin disqualified from running in May polls

MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) decided Wednesday to disqualify popular singer Imelda Papin from running for congresswoman for the lone district of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan.

"Respondent's Certificate of Candidacy must be cancelled for making false material representation relating to her residence and for claiming that she is eligible to run for public office," the Comelec's Second Division said in its resolution dated January 31.

According to the poll body, Papin failed to present enough proof that she is residing in San Jose del Monte City as required by the law to enable her to run for congresswoman.

"There are not enough proof to show she actually resided in any of the said properties within the period required by law. Respondent may own and lease several properties anywhere she chooses. However, such act alone will not suffice to make her resident of said place for election purposes, in the absence of any overt acts indicative of her intention to consider it as her permanent abode or residence," the resolution said.

It added that while the decision of the Electoral Registration Board (ERB) to approve Papin's transfer can be honored, it does not automatically qualify her as a candidate for congresswoman.

"It does not involve the residency requirement for eligibility to run for congresswoman, which requires a residency in the locality for a period of at least one year immediately preceding the election," said the Second Division.

Section 117 of the Omnibus Election Code states that a voter must be residing in the city or municipality, wherein he/she proposes to vote for at least six months immediately preceding the election, among others.

The petition was filed by the Arangkada San Joseno Political Party against Papin, who is running against incumbent Representative Arthur Robes.

According to the petitioner, Papin made false representation in her Certificate of Candidacy (COC), wherein she declared that she is a resident of San Jose del Monte City, thus making her eligible to run for congresswoman.

The petitioner said Papin is actually a resident of North Fairview in Quezon City and that the places she claimed in her registration as a voter is a "commercial establishment and actually not intended for human habitation."

Papin had countered that she had long made her presence established in the city as early as 2002 after she opened a soap manufacturing business before eventually getting involved in community work through milk feeding programs and scholarships.

Papin added that the decision of the ERB allowing her transfer of registration from North Fairview, Quezon City, to San Jose del Monte City should be accepted as final and executory. (HDT/Sunnex)