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[ News ] [ Official list of winners for Cebu City barangay chief, SK ] [ Keywords ] Cebu City's voter turnout hits 65% CEBU -- As expected, more people went out to vote in the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections last July 15 than in the previous polls. A statistical report prepared by the Cebu City Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the barangay elections shows that 68 percent of the total number of registered voters for the south district voted, while it's 63 percent for the north. The figure is higher than the past two barangay elections and even the local and congressional elections in May last year. Cebu City has 197,816 registered voters in the south district and 179,861 in the north. Only 49 percent of the total number of registered voters in Cebu City voted in 1994, while 63 percent voted in the south district, and 60 percent in the north district for the 1997 polls. The turnout in last year's elections was only 63 percent for the south and 66 for the north. Court of Appeals Associate Justice Regalado Maambong, a former Comelec commissioner, had expected more voters for the synchronized barangay and SK elections because of the growing importance of the barangay in governance. More people also ran in the last elections because there were more available resources and the posts offer bigger pay, he said. In Cebu City, the chairman of a big barangay gets an honorarium of P12,000 per month, while his colleague handling a small barangay receives P3,000 to P4,000. The participation of political parties in what was supposed to be a non-partisan exercise was also seen as another factor. The City Comelec office is still consolidating the turnout for the SK. The statistical report also shows that there was a higher turnout of voters in the mountain barangays and in areas where there were intense political rivalries. In Suba, the turnout was 73 percent; in Punta Princesa, 55 percent; in Hipodromo, 75 percent; and in Pahina Central, 61 percent. In the urban areas, the figure is 47 to 77 percent in the south and 50 to 75 percent in the north. In the mountain barangays, the turnout was 67 to 83 percent in the south and 68 to 89 percent in the north. Sirao has the highest turnout of voters at 1,675. The barangay with the lowest voter turnout is Guadalupe (47 percent). Guadalupe is the City's biggest barangay with 24,998 registered voters. (07-28-02, Sun.Star Cebu) Andales seeks COA inventory of barangay assets CEBU -- Barangay officials who will relinquish their posts by Aug. 15 need to account for the barangay's properties to clear them of any liability for losses. With reports that some barangay-owned properties are missing, Pahina Central Barangay Chief-elect Sisinio Andales requested Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña to direct the Commission on Audit (COA) to make the inventory immediately. But Association of Barangay Councils president Jose Navarro said an inventory is expected before newly elected officials assume office. The barangay treasurer, who under the Local Government Code keeps custody of barangay funds and property, should facilitate the inventory. COA, in its report for 2001, noted that barangay treasurers committed lapses in keeping track of the barangays' fixed assets, exposing government-owned properties to misuse or loss. These include their failure to issue memorandum receipts (MRs), conduct a yearly physical inventory of fixed assets and record in barangay books of accounts all donated materials and equipment. The state auditors advised barangay officials to require all end-users to sign MRs on every equipment unit issued, and for the barangay treasurer to keep "semi-expendable" supplies received and filed. Doubtful COA also noted that barangay officials of Duljo-Fatima, Mabolo, Banilad, San Roque and Carreta failed to conduct the yearly physical inventory, in violation of the Barangay Accounting Manual, rendering the existence and valuation of fixed assets worth P13 million "doubtful." In Duljo-Fatima, for instance, they pointed that a computer unit costing P31,000 should not be brought to the "accountable officer's residence since government property should only be used for public purpose." Moreover, the audit report stated that the barangay treasurer of Basak San Nicolas failed to apply for the disposal of unserviceable properties and supplies with an estimated cost of P513,300, "thereby overstating the inventory and fixed asset accounts." (07-28-02, Sun.Star Cebu) Proxy battle shifts to election for ABC CEBU -- All the incumbent officials of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) allied with the opposition camp will seek reelection in September. ABC president Jose Navarro Friday said Manuel Guanzon (Capitol Site) will seek another term as executive vice president, Reynaldo Llorente (Hipodromo), first vice president; and Victoriano Go (Pahina San Nicolas), third vice president. Rodigilio Arinasa (San Jose) will still seek the position of treasurer; Noel Wenceslao (Sambag 2), auditor; and Ana Tabal (Tagbao), board member. Navarro said their group will need to look for candidates for only three positions. These are for second vice president and board member, whose posts will be vacated by Nicasio Jaca (Suba) and Jessie Jayme (Sudlon 2), who were not reelected last July 15. The other post is for secretary, which is currently held by Eduardo Sevilla (Calamba) who is with the BO-PK. The fight for the ABC presidency will be Navarro against Guadalupe Barangay Captain Eugenio Faelnar Jr. of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK). For executive vice president, the second highest position in ABC, the race is between Guanzon and Pahina Central Barangay Captain Sisinio Andales. Only four from the BO-PK so far, have expressed interest to run for the other positions up for grabs in the ABC. After surviving a close race against BO-PK's Rodulfo Diorico in the barangay elections last July 15, Navarro now finds himself in a "tougher" fight for the ABC presidency. "Mao ni ang labing lisod nga kampanya kay puros amigo, puros tando. So di ka kasiguro," Navarro told Sun.Star. (This is a difficult campaign because all are my friends, so they would just say yes. But I can't be sure.) Mayor Tomas Osmeña has endorsed Faelnar for the post and warned that anyone from BO-PK who will also vie for the post will automatically be kicked out from the group. The announcement is to solidify BO-PK votes. But Navarro is confident that his colleagues would still vote him in the ABC elections in September because he has a track record to show them. "In the past, the ABC didn't accomplish anything because they were elected by the mayor. Mura ta'g mga sakada ana, unya ang mayor mag-appoint lang ug administrator. I still believe the barangay captains have a mind of their own," Navarro said. On the BO-PK's side, Nemesio Pagador (Luz), Fortunato Parawan (Lorega San Miguel), Michael Ocleasa (Day-as) and Licerio Jaca (Inayawan) so far have expressed interest to run for the other positions in the ABC. When former mayor Alvin Garcia invited village chiefs for dinner at White Gold House last Thursday night, Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) had counted only 36 allies compared to BO-PK's 54. In an interview with reporters, Garcia said he believes the captains would still choose Navarro, who is an accountant over Faelnar, who is a college dropout. Faelnar, who is in Dapitan, cannot be reached for comment. But Councilor Gerardo Carillo told Sun.Star that BO-PK is looking for candidates with the capacity to lead. "We don't need brilliant minds but those who will work and lead the group," Carillo said. As to Faelnar's educational qualification, Carillo retorted: "Tan-awa lang asa ang mas-progressive nga barangay. Punta Princesa or Guadalupe?" (Look, which the more progressive barangay, Punta Princesa or Guadalupe?) Navarro said has been captain for a longer time but Faelnar has done more considering that Guadalupe is the biggest barangay in the city, Carillo said. "He (Faelnar) has demonstrated good leadership, which is important when dealing with barangay captains," the councilor added. (07-27-02, Sun.Star Cebu) No
poll protests in Benguet BAGUIO -- No protests have been received by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) so far on the results of the synchronized barangay and youth elections in Benguet. This resulted even after only 10 Benguet towns have submitted their canvas of results to the office of Julius Torres, Comelec election supervisor for Baguio and Benguet. But in Baguio, Torres said protests were received from two barangay election losers, not because of the results of the polls, but due to some alleged irregularities in the conduct of the campaign prior to the political exercise. These alleged anomalies were reported to have been made in the barangays of Malcolm Square and Baguio General Hospital Compound. In the barangay elections, Torres estimated that the voters' turnout reached only 58.28 percent, while that in the SK elections was 60.71 percent. "But these figures are deceiving because just as we have an average of 200 voters registered in each precinct, there are only a few registered SK voters." He added that since the results from Benguet was only partial, they cannot give a correct figure yet of the voters' turnout there. He said that aside from the results in Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Sablan and Tuba, which were already reported earlier, only Buguias and Kibungan have submitted their canvas of results earlier this week. Although no electoral protests have been reported to have been submitted by any of the losing candidates in the towns of La Trinidad, Mankayan and Tublay, they still have to submit their canvas of results. "It is understandable if the results from Mankayan did not yet arrive because of the distance of that place from here. No problems were also reported in Tublay. However, I am wondering why the results from La Trinidad have not yet been submitted to us when their town is just adjoining the city," Torres pointed out. In Buguias, the winning barangay chiefs are Agustin Dacus in Abatan, Melio Andiso in Amgaleyguey, Ernesto Quindipan in Amlimay, Roberto Camilo in Baculongan Norte, Elisie Dulinen in Baculongan Sur, Rogelio Bolinto in Bangao, Esteban Sabiano in Buyacaoan, Pablo Babab in Calamagan, Dione Baucas in Catlubong, Simon Macario in Lengaoan, Delino Dampilag Sr. in Loo, Joseph Misa in Natubleng, Francis Wilson in Poblacion and Marcelo Carlos in Sebang. In Kibungan, the elected barangay chiefs are Bestre Domes in Badeo, Arturo Collado in Lubo, Jerry Tanas in Madaymen, Colbert Abiasen in Palina, Mensi Pisando in Poblacion, Henry Dayao in Sagpat and Teodoro Danglay in Tacadang. (07-27-02, Sun.Star Baguio) 'Focus on 1 problem each': Tomas tells brys CEBU -- With more barangay captains on his side now, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he can already implement the "master of one concept" which he first thought of doing in 1992. Under the concept, each barangay captain will be asked to choose one area of specialization, with the Cebu City Government giving them the necessary support. Thus, they may come up with projects on beautification, education, garbage collection, traffic management or youth, among others. The choice also does not have to be in answer to the most pressing problem in the barangay as the mayor said City Hall is also willing to "fill in the gaps" on this aspect. "Barangay captains are like Jack of all trades and master of none... So for now, I will just have to encourage them to master one field and be outstanding in it," Osmeña told a press conference yesterday. Before last Monday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, when Osmeña had only 19 allied barangay captains, City Hall coursed the delivery of services to the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan ward leaders in the barangay. Things may be different now, after many BO-PK supported candidates won in the elections. Some Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) captains have also started to reconcile with the mayor. As of his last count, Osmeña said over 50 of the 80 barangay captains are now with BO-PK. He told reporters yesterday that he is looking for "jewels." If some of them excel in their chosen field, they could provide the model for other barangays, as he stressed that the best teacher for the barangay captain is another barangay captain. The mayor said he will sit down with each barangay captain to discuss where he or she intends to focus. He will give them time and allow them to create clusters if they want to as he expects at least five officials to focus on garbage collection. According to Osmeña, he will encourage the village chiefs to make as much innovations as they could in the delivery of basic services. "I will not behave like a DILG and issue different memos. Master one. That's the only instruction I will give," Osmeña said. (07-24-02, Sun.Star Cebu) DILG
urges new execs to serve brys. well DUMAGUETE -- The Department of Interior and Local Governments here called on the newly elected and reelected barangay officials to keep their campaign promise to serve their barangays. Lilibeth Famacion, city interior and local government operations officer, issued the call as the 30 barangay chiefs and 210 councilmen who took their oath of office at 3 p.m. at the Public Market Auditorium on Tuesday, July 23. "Ipanghinaut nato nga magtinarong sila ug matuman ang pangandoy sa ilang gisaad pagsilbe sa barangay," Famacion told Sun.Star. The DILG officer hopes the newly elected and re-elected officials will attend to their responsibilities seriously, not only in attending meetings but also in delivering the basic services to their people. The new set of Sangguniang Kabataan officials, on the other hand, will have to wait until August 15 before they can take their oath of office. As of the moment, Famacion said, her office is awaiting guidelines from the DILG central office and the National Youth Commission on how to fill in the vacant SK council seats. (07-23-02, Sun.Star Dumaguete) One more defects to BO-PK; Tomas accepts Yodi CEBU -- The Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) lost another barangay captain to the administration when pro-recall Zapatera Barangay Chief Francisco Benedicto Monday took his oath of office before Mayor Tomas Osmeña. While barangay chiefs William Balaga of Pari-an and Jerome Lim of Sta. Cruz brought their councilors to Osmeña for the oath-taking, they claimed it was only for the sake of reconciliation and no talks about partisanship. Balaga refused to say if he's still with Kusug or otherwise, while Lim told reporters he is still allied with Kusug. Mayor Osmeña, meanwhile, announced he is accepting Busay's Eliodoro "Yodi" Sanchez to his administration. "People said I should have a change of heart. After all we are Christians. But not Joe Navarro because he is dangerous. He is clearly a mercenary," he said. Navarro, who is Association of Barangay Councils president, said he doesn't mind if Osmeña won't reconcile with him. "Bisan og ako na lang usa. Akong prinsipyo dili nako i-compromise," he said yesterday. (I don't care if I'm the only one left. I'm not going to compromise my principle.) With Benedicto's defection, the number of Kusug village chiefs who shifted their allegiance to BO-PK now totals five. Getting more than the majority of village chiefs is imperative for the BO-PK after 54 out of 80 of them signed last July 6 a recall petition against Mayor Osmeña. Last week, Romeo Ocarol of Pasil, Rustica Asid of Buhisan, Nenita Bacus of Pamutan and Leto Fajardo of Tejero confirmed their defection to BO-PK, citing easy access to projects and financial assistance from City Hall as their reasons. Sought for his view on the defections, Osmeña said, "Well, we always pretend we love each other. It's okay. Humana man. The people have spoken. Whether I like it or not I have to go along." In a talk with reporters outside Osmeña's office after his oath-taking, Benedicto told reporters he just went to the mayor "for the sake of reconciliation." "We wanted to test the waters kung modagayday ba gyud ang kaayohan. I'm still with Kusug," he said. Asked if he has made it clear to Osmeña that they are not defecting to BO-PK, Benedicto replied, "Wa man sab siya mangutana nako. He did not give any conditions." (He didn't ask.) "I don't think Alvin would get mad because I'm still Kusug," he added. Later, during his press conference, the mayor said it's up to Benedicto if he only came for the sake of reconciliation. "That's fine with me. I won in his barangay anyway," Osmeña said. At 1:50 p.m., talks reached the City Hall media center that Benedicto recanted his statements. Sun.Star called up Benedicto to clarify his statements but he said he was "only misquoted by the reporter who sought the mayor's comment." Told he was not misquoted and reminded of his exact words in front of City Hall reporters that morning, Benedicto laughed and said, "It's up to you to understand. My going up there is already a sign that I'm with BO-PK." When Sun.Star pressed for a more explicit statement, saying reporters need to take down what is said and not what they assume is meant, he said, "Nakatando ra man ko sa inyong pangutana." Apart from Balaga, Lim and Benedicto, Tejero Barangay Chief Leto Fajardo, who earlier shifted allegiance to BO-PK, also took his oath of office with six of his councilors. Only Barangay Councilor-elect Claudio Batas, who reportedly said he could not afford to leave Kusug, did not join the oath-taking. Osmeña also swore into office BO-PK allies Joel Sable of Suba and his councilors, and Jerry Guardo of Barangay Sambag I and councilors. Meanwhile, Balaga said the members of the Pari-an Barangay Council decided to reconcile with Osmeña "because we believe he is a good mayor and we respect his offer to reconcile." Navarro, who led 399 barangay officials in a move to recall the mayor, refused to comment on the defection of Kusug-allied barangay captains to BO-PK. However, he disagreed with some who said they defected to get their barangay projects implemented. Navarro, who has been Barangay Punta Princesa head for 30 years, said most of his projects were implemented without a cent from City Hall. "Nakat-on ko og self-reliance. Pila ra ma'y project nga makuha sa City Hall?" he pointed out. Navarro also refused to reveal any details about Kusug's plan for their oath-taking since Kusug head and former mayor Alvin Garcia will arrive from Hawaii tomorrow yet. However, Labangon Barangay Chief-elect Felix Abella, who almost lost his reelection bid to a BO-PK bet, yesterday took oath before Judge Pampio Abarintos, whose son, Andrew, also got a seat in Tisa's barangay council and is probably the youngest barangay councilor in the city. (07-23-02, Sun.star Cebu) Polls
to resume Sunday for flooded brys, says Comelec MANILA -- Barangay and Sangunihang Kabataan (SK) special elections for some 531 barangays in the Luzon area have been reset this coming Sunday, July 28, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Monday said. Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said the Comelec en banc have already decided to hold the special elections on Sunday for the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Abra, Bulacan, Bataan, and La Union. High floods due to typhoon Gloria and Hambalos forced the Comelec to postpone the polls in a number of barangays in these provinces. The Comelec said postponing the elections in 572 barangays, including those coming from Metro Manila, was the biggest suspension approved by the Commission by far. Although the Comelec approved the special elections for these barangays in Luzon, Abalos said they are still awaiting the assessment of the Philippine National police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in some barangays in Mindanao, where failure of elections has been declared due to the peace and order situation. "We cannot set the schedule for these areas, mostly in Mindanao, where violence forced the failure of elections. Until the authorities say that it's all clear, then we will schedule the elections," Abalos said. Under the Omnibus Election Code, the Comelec must reset the schedule of all postponed elections within 30 days of the suspension. Abalos said they have already given instructions for the local election officers to prepare for Sunday's synchronized polls. Abalos said they expect to experience the same glitches they had in the recent two electoral process, mostly related to the voters' list. "We expect complaints to surface again about missing names or of flying voters, but we assure that these problems would disappear come 2004," Abalos said. (07-23-02, Sunnex) Retired priest among poll winners in Mt. Province BONTOC -- A number of government retirees, including a retired Anglican priest-turned-neophyte politician, won in last week's synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. Three women from the Igorot tribe also came out victorious in their first political fight. Beginners' luck went to six government retirees who were elected as barangay chiefs, including Bauko district supervisor Valentin Cameyeng of Bila, Bauko; public school teacher Napoleon Manalay of Saliok, Natonin; Comelec employee Feliciano Liclic of Lagan, Sabangan, provincial assessor Herman Lusad of Poblacion, Bontoc; municipal employee Merriam Falag-ey of Bontoc Ili, PNP officer Donato Begalan of Payeo, Besao and Fr. George Tamkin of Patay-Poblacion, Sagada. Aside from Falag-ey, two other plain housewives, Lourdes Antonio of Caluttit, Bontoc and Josephine Forang-ey of Sacasacan, Sadanga, also easily won over their male political opponents. Four erstwhile local officials, who used to occupy higher elective positions in the different towns of Mt. Province, failed to get the top barangay post. These included former provincial board member and one-time mayor of Sagada Lawrente Wadingan, candidate for punong barangay of Angkeleng, Sagada who lost to his nephew Jaime Dugao alias Tigan-o; former Barlig mayor Alloysius Matib of Gawana-Poblacion; former Bontoc vice mayor Moses Comaad of Tocucan and former Tadian vice mayor Evelyn Taclobao of Sumadel. Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections and the Mt. Province police said the recently-concluded political exercise was the "most peaceful and orderly ever conducted in this part of the region," adding that no untoward incident or election-related violence was committed before, during and after the July 15 polls as compared to past elections marred by violence and various irregularities. (07-22-02, Sun.Star Baguio) Bet
wins seat through toss coin GENERAL SANTOS -- The toss coin formula solved the deadlock between two candidates who were tied for the seventh and last seat in the barangay council in Upper Labay. City election officer Abraham Nilong said Baguit Balunto won over Gabriel Gadiale through the flip of a coin and ended the question on who will take the last barangay council seat. Both Balunto and Gadiale garnered 277 votes during the July 15 barangay elections. Rosalinda Olasiman, chair of the board of canvassers in Upper Labay, ruled to break the tie through toss coin. Actually, it was not only Gadiale and Balunto who got the same number of votes. Four other candidates in the said barangay also garnered the same number of votes. To determine their rankings, the same formula was used by the board of canvassers. Nemesio Balunto won the coin flip over Fred Sago to earn the No. 3 ranking. The two each got 344 votes. Menahwile, Wilfredo Dema-ala was declared the fifth ranked councilor over Martinacio Tol. The two were tied at 309 votes each. In San Jose, the two candidates for barangay chairman who both ended up with 710 votes each, have already filed their separate petitions for a recount. Nilong said Alfredo Belgica and Ciriaco Saranas reufsed to settle the score via the toss coin formula as provided by the Comelec guidelines. "They filed their protests. These were already filed at the Municipal Trial Court in General Santos City," Nilong told Sun.Star. (07-22-02, Sun.Star General Santos) Comelec Task Force leaves poll work undone in Lanao MARAWI CITY -- The Commission on Election Task Force charged to oversee the conduct of the elections in Lanao del Sur has left town even as proclamation of winning bets in the joint Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections has not been finished. "We're leaving the city even if there are only three municipal election officers who were able to proclaim the town's winning candidates," said Luckier Adil, head of the Comelec Task Force monitoring the elections in the province. Adil's group left their temporary office at the Marawi Resort Hotel on Thursday after having been hounded by complaining candidates and supporters and alleged "manipulation" of some election officers. Adil, an executive assistant from the office of Comelec Commissioner Mehol K. Sadain, explained that it is not the responsibility of the of Task Force to proclaim winning candidates because "that is the task of the election officers of the different municipalities. It is not our task to duplicate their jobs." But Adil said majority of the election officers from the 39 towns of Lanao del Sur suspended the proclamation of candidates for fear the proclamation will lead to armed confrontation between winners and losers. "There was already a standing order for election officers to proclaim the winning politicians and to issue them their respective certificates of proclamations. That is their responsibility, not ours," he said. "Even if we stay, the situation will not be altered. Complaints and arguments will be endless," Adil said. "We will leave and we will make our reports and my presumption is that the election officers are capable of proclaiming the candidates because they must do their job," he said. Adil admitted that he felt bad with some election officers who were "manipulating" the situation, although he did not elaborate. But a resident from Lumba Bayabao town explained that Adil was referring to an election officer who reported that the election in a barangay had ended at 5 p.m. and that a winner had been proclaimed. In reality, no election was conducted because the ballot boxes were already filled up. Col. Felix Castro, chief of the 26th Infantry Batallion based in Butig, Lanao del Sur, said in the absence of the Comelec Task Force, some election officers may proclaim the losers as winners. "Baka magkapatayan na sila dito," he warned. (07-21-02, Sun.star Davao/MindaNews) Comelec
names winners in 21 out of 31 brys PANGASINAN -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Dagupan started declaring winners in both the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and barangay elections after it completed tabulation for election returns from precincts of 21 out of the City's 31 barangays. The Comelec, likewise, said the elections in 10 barangays which were postponed due to flooding will be held on Saturday, July 27. Meanwhile, Comelec has yet to break the tie votes in Barangays Tambac, Carael and Barangay I. Already pronounced winners by the City Comelec officer were: Mamalingling: Raymund C. Martin, barangay chief with councilors: Robert D. Cabison, Analyd D. Tuliao, Josefil C. Tabora, Sonny G. Tuates, Hernando Z. Gorospe, Baltazar L. Olesco and Zosimo A. Palaganas Sr. SK Chairman is Hilda C. Martin; Barangay IV: Teody A. Macasieb, barangay chief with councilors: Tiffany A. Samson, Josefina M. Delos Reyes, Alipio E. Aquino, Carlos E. Carrera, Emmanuel B. Moreno, Cresilda P. Villamil and Carlos S. Sayson. SK Chairman is Elizabeth B. Fernandez. Barangay I: Herminigildo J. Rosal, barangay chief with councilors: Pilagia M. Santos, Joey F. Mislang, Jimmy D. Villamil, Ma. Isabel P. Cruz, Corazon M. Tagulinao, Gerald E. Valencerina and Bobby Wong. No winner yet for the SK chairman. Barangay II: Noel L. Melecio, barangay chief with councilors: Franco A. Casilang, Roberto L. Melecio, Amante R. Rapacon, Eliseo M. Oviedo, Gregorio Q. Yambao, Celito G. Agbayani and Manuel R. Reyes. SK Chairman is Alvin C. Melecio. Mangin: Arsenio C. Esguerra, barangay chief with councilors: Bernard L. Cabison, Remegios S. Barrozo, Bonifacio G. Masaoy, Sylvia M. Tandoc, Sergio M Edades, Sr., Clemente L. Gemino and Jose M. Salayog, Sr. SK Chairman is Stephen Sabiano. Bonuan Boquig: Cariño A. Aquino, barangay chief with councilors: Felimon G. Gonzales, Jr., Margarita M. Gonzales, William A. Datuib, Dionisio A. Reyes, Fidel Serrano, Domingo J. Aquino and Antonio B. Aquino. SK Chairman is Kristina Grace S. Paras. Poblacion Oeste: Guillermo P. Vallejos, barangay captain chief with councilors: Joseph P. Vallejos, Humprey V. Mejia, Carmelo John E. Vidal, Lauro R. Agbuya, Jr., Roberto P. Tello, Rosa G. Fernandez and Jaime Z. Tada. SK Chairman is Anita C. Fernandez. Calmay: Evangelita V. Dela Cruz, barangay chief with councilors: Manuel M. Flores, Mario A. Collado, Carlos A. De Vera, Ric D. Laigue, Danilo G. Valencia, Manuel S. Quismundo and Noel G. Estrada. SK Chairman is Jeanette F. Aquino. Tambac: Eric Jose Muñoz, barangay chief with councilors: Armando S. Agas, Modesto C. Torio, Felipe M. Dalaten, Julita S. Yap, Cresencio M. Fernandez, Wilfredo S. Panlilio and Celestino S. Barrozo. No winner yet for SK chairman. Salisay: Conrado C. Muyalde, barangay chief with councilors: Andrew B. Carvajal, Antonio H. Esteves, Sr., Salvador B. Nuncio, Jr., Adela A. Dizon, Jaime A. Soramillos, Ricky B. Bautista and Minda E. Quilpan. SK Chairman is Jenny S. Mendoza. Tebeng: Robert A. Dion, barangay chief with councilors: Leonardo F. Magsanoc, Gerardo D. Beltran, Roland B. Daroy, Edwin P. Dion, Eusebio A. Lopez, Jr., Roland U. Bustillo and Helen F. Fermil. SK Chairman is Kathleen Grace B. Bustillo. Bolosan: Marvin V. Fabia, barangay chief with councilors: Arcadio C. Edades, Jonas D. Daroy, Milo A. Mamaril, Romeo T. Patani, Felix C. Bautista, Ludovico L. Basa. SK Chairman is Ava Maureen M. Laurel. Tapuac: Joaquin D. Reyes, barangay chief with councilors: Emmanuel C. Villamil, Helen C. Muyano, Jose Fernando M. Bautista, Nicolas D. Dato, Sarah D. Remolador, Rosalina G. Magpantay and Primitivo C. Castillo. SK Chairman is Florence S. Lomibao. Salapingao: Delfin C. De Guzman, barangay chief with councilors: Mario M. Fernandez, Brando S. Sentinellar, Dominador C. Benitez, Alberto J. Cervantes, Perla M. Flores, Ramon B. Delos Reyes and Marcelo F. Bautista, Jr. SK Chairman is Alberto M. De Guzman. Caranglaan: Cesar C. Fama, barangay chief with councilors: Connery R. Seen, Erlinda S. Camara, Freddie S. De Guzman, Manolo B. Sanchez, Alex B. Claveria, Ricardo A. Tayaba, Sr. and Francisco C. Catalan. SK Chairman is Isidro L. Estrella III. Malued: Marcial C. Rioflorido, barangay chief with councilors: Rogelio H. Solomon, Delia M. Cera, Delfin C. Tamayo, Sonny D. Dalioan, Alexander Caguioa, Rudy V. Cayabyab and Marcelino C. Morante. SK Chairman is Nelvin D. Eduard. Carael: Perfecto J. Velasquez, Jr., barangay chief with councilors: Jesusa P. Fernandez, Ferdinand D. Cayabyab, Lorenzo S. Felomino, Basilio P. Sandoval, Ma. Norma F. Rosario, Federico G. Esteves and Nazario C. De vera, Jr. NO winning SK chairman yet. Pugaro: Florencio A. Victorio, barangay chief with councilors: Ador V. Bancod, Melvin D. Advencula, Rodrigo D. Estrada, Teddy E. Bustillo, Abelardo B. Abueme, Salvador D. Quinto, Jr. and Edgar D. Caballero. SK Chairman is Kimber Dave A. De Vera. Bonuan Gueset: Ricardo C. Mejia, barangay chief with councilors: Lucas C. Ballesteros, Arturo M. Calaguio, Angelito C. Gumarang, Ferdinand M. Soy, Renato M. Vidal, Sigfredo M Ramos and Jose V. Fortin. SK Chairman is Karen Paragas. Bonuan Binloc: Pedro Q. Gonzales, barangay chief with councilors: Julius C. Alcaide, Rodolfo N. Clauna, Domingo Q. Ubando, Felicidad J. Narvasa, Alipio A. Torio, June P. Jugo and Rodrigo Biay. SK Chairman is Edel Aris B. Noveloso. Lomboy: Arsenio V. Santilla, Sr., barangay chief with councilors: John R. De Vera, Raymundo S. Tuliao, Gilbert C. Santillan, Samuel R. Santillan, Michael B. De Vera, Roberto M. Castro, Jr. and Milagros D. Gonzales. SK Chairman is Jonafe S. Ballesteros. (07-21-02, Sun.star Pangasinan) Supporters
of bet defeated by 10 votes want recount DAVAO -- Some 100 supporters of a defeated candidate for barangay captain in Davao City Friday picketed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) District 11 office to protest their bet's losing stand. Wearing red armbands and carrying placards, supporters of Celso Tizon assailed Comelec for allegedly proclaiming his opponent, Robert Olan-Olan, the winner in Barangay 76-A Bucana despite massive cheating. Olan-Olan got a total of 4,278 votes in the electoral exercise and was proclaimed the winner by the barangay board of canvassers over Tizon, who had only 4,268. Olan-Olan is reportedly a protégé of Davao City First District Rep. Prospero "Boy" Nograles. But Tizon's supporters said the counting of votes in some precincts were not properly conducted and that there were votes supposedly intended for Tizon but were counted in favor of Olan-Olan. "Recount, recount," chanted the protesters. "Tizon, biktima ug dagdag-bawas (Tizon, victim of vote padding)," read one the streamers they displayed. What angered the Tizon supporters even more was when Nograles allegedly showed up during the proclamation to raise the hand of Olan-Olan. But Adalia Tambuang, Comelec District 11 election officer, said they have no jurisdiction over the matter since Olan-Olan was duly proclaimed by the barangay board of directors and in the presence of Comelec officials. Tambuang said any electoral protest can be filed before the court, not Comelec, since it is only the courts which can resolve the issue. As for the protesting Tizon supporters, she said "they are entitled to hold a rally." (07-20-02, Sun.Star Davao) Kusug loses another ally CEBU -- Another barangay chief from the Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) defected to the administration, as Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) claimed five more are expected to pledge their allegiance within the week. Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who attended the wedding reception of Barangay Luz Captain Nemesio Pagador Jr.'s son, announced before visitors the defection of Barangay Chief-elect Leto Fajardo of Tejero to BO-PK. The announcement came hours after Osmeña rejected Pagador's plan to run against Guadalupe's Eugenio Faelnar Jr. in his bid for Association Barangay Councils (ABC) chief. Pagador and Ermita Barangay Captain Felicisimo Rupinta, who are reported to be eyeing the ABC presidency, said in separate interviews Friday they are willing to follow the BO-PK decision. "Nagsabot na mi sa BO-PK nga kon kinsa'y blessingan ni Mayor Osmeña, suportahan namo," Pagador said. (We have agreed that whoever the mayor endorses, we will support.) Like Romeo Ocarol of Pasil and Rustica Asid of Buhisan, Fajardo cited easy access to projects and financial help from City Hall as his reasons for leaving Kusug, less than a week since the barangay elections. With Tabunan Barangay Chief-elect Bernabe Arcayan's victory over Vicente Padayao in a tiebreaker Friday, BO-PK how has 47 barangay chiefs as its allies, while Kusug has 30. Three are not openly identified with any party. Sacrifice Moreover, Cebu City Councilor George Rama said they are contemplating on inviting Kusug councilors to join BO-PK. Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem said first-term Councilor Dana Ruiz-Sesante would likely join the administration. But Sesante denied the claim, saying the matter "has not even reached my mind." After confirming his transfer to the administration party, Fajardo told Sun.Star: "It's a personal sacrifice. I know this would hurt him (former mayor Alvin Garcia) but I have to do this for my barangay. It's too early to announce it kay maikog ko niya, pero gibiyaan man gud sab mi niya." (I am worried about offending him, but he has also left us.) It was defeated candidate for councilor Jun Pe of BO-PK who convinced Fajardo to join the group. "Anyway, dili sila makaingon nga balimbing ko kay dili man sab mi kontra ni Mayor Tom. Initially, I campaigned for him in the 2001 elections but I had to respect my (former barangay) chief (Nilo Servila, who was one of the mythical five)," he added. 'Bandwagon' Ted Ayeng, Association of Barangay Councils spokesman, described as a "dis-information drive" the reports that more Kusug allies will be defecting to BO-PK. He said it is not true that Barangay Captains Manuel Guanzon of Capitol Site, Eduardo Cabulao of Tisa and Danilo Lim of Poblacion, Pardo are also going to shift loyalties to Osmeña. Ayeng said they are optimistic that even if they can reconvene the preparatory recall assembly, majority will still support the recall. Some barangay captains, he claimed, were even offered P100,000 in exchange for not voting for Navarro in the ABC race. But he believes many captains will still go for Navarro, over Faelnar. "They are using the publicity mileage to demoralize our members. They are trying to establish a bandwagon effect but it was only good during the time of Serging Osmeña. Bistado naman na," Ayeng said. More names surfaced, like Joel Garganera of Tinago, Cenon Bacus of San Nicolas Proper and Mary Ann delos Santos of Lahug, who allegedly sent feelers they wanted to join BO-PK. In separate interviews, Garganera and delos Santos laughed off the allegations. "That's news to me," delos Santos said. Abandoned? In another interview, reelected Chief Danilo Lim of Poblacion, Pardo said it's been a year since they wished to reconcile with Osmeña. "But it's difficult as of now to decide on defecting because we have just been reelected. We need enough time," he said in Cebuano, alluding to the support he got from Garcia during the campaign. However, Lim said he is willing to support Osmeña in his delivery of basic services. Councilor Rama criticized Garcia for allegedly turning his back on the barangay captains during the campaign period. "He abandoned his barangay captains and instead worked hard for the recall move. Alvin should have campaigned for them because he is not mayor anymore. Many of them are dismayed," he added. But Lim said the defeated candidates of Kusug should not put the blame on Garcia because "it's really up to the candidate to campaign." "Dili na lang nato ipamahid sa laing tawo atong kapildihan," he said. (Let's not blame other people for our losses.) (07-20-02, Sun.Star Cebu) Tabunan
tiebreaker favors BO-PK bet CEBU -- Luck seems to be going Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan's (BO-PK) way this week. Barangay Tabunan's Vicente Padayao, an ally of Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) lost the barangay chairmanship to BO-PK's Bernabe Arcayan when they drew lots Friday afternoon, further increasing the number of BO-PK-allied barangay captains to 47. Cheers from Arcayan's supporters broke the tension-filled silence inside the Cebu City Election Office after Padayao's hopeful expression changed to gloom when he saw he picked the blank paper. The rolled piece of paper that read "punong barangay" went to Arcayan, his former ally-turned-political rival. Observers could not help but feel sorry for Padayao, 59, the barangay's head since 1997, when he lost, by lack of luck, past 2 p.m. Padayao had asked for the postponement of the tie-breaking process, which under the Omnibus Election Code is decided by chance. Padayao and Arcayan got 304 votes each during last Monday's synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. Acting Provincial Election Supervisor Edwin Cadungog, who is concurrent Cebu City south district election officer, said the process had to push through even if two members of the board of canvassers (BOC) in the barangay failed to arrive on time due to the bad weather. Cadungog assured Padayao, though, that he can file an election protest within 10 days. It has to be substantial if he wants a recount, Cadungog also advised him. The process, scheduled at 1:30 p.m., was postponed to past 2 p.m. since they had to wait for teachers Josephine Estorco and Edwin Puson, members of the BOC, to arrive. An hour later, Cadungog asked BOC chairperson Belinda Desquitado to prepare a manifestation that the tie had to be broken despite the absence of the two members. Cantipla Elementary School principal Josefina Gatchalian took the place of the two and signed the document, along with Desquitado and the two candidates, as proof of their approval. The Comelec staff prepared two rolled sheets of paper and placed them inside a ceramic pot. Padayao, as incumbent, was asked to draw first. Winner, loser Everyone in the room held their breath as Padayao, who stood across Arcayan, slowly opened the piece of paper and bowed his head in defeat, prompting Arcayan's supporters to applaud and jump in jubilation. Kusug stalwart and former mayor Alvin Garcia's wife, Ninette, who was present during the activity, took Padayao's arm to lead him out of the office. "Wa'y problema na," he told reporters when asked how he felt. Arcayan, in a separate interview, admitted he really felt he wouldn't get the post and accepted the fact that in an election, there is always a loser. He was proclaimed winner shortly thereafter. He also revealed he felt sorry for the former barangay captain. "Gibati ko'g kaluoy gamay. Gihangyo gud ko niya (Padayao) nga siya lang usa akong palingkuron," he said of his political rival. (I felt sorry for him. He did request that he be allowed to take office, being the incumbent.) "Pero mag-unsa man ang mga tawo nako? Labhan sad ko nila. Total, wa ma ni'y daya. Legal man ni," he added. (But what about my supporters? They'd come after me. Anyway, this procedure is legitimate.) No power-sharing Before they drew lots, Arcayan admitted Padayao asked if they could share the three-year term. However, Cadungog said that is impossible since under the law, serving a public office cannot be subjected to a "compromise." Ninette Garcia also noted erasures in the election returns in Barangay Tabunan but Cadungog said these were "immaterial." Arcayan, who has served as the barangay's first councilor since 1994, said he plans to prioritize the building of the barangay's first high school, the electrification of some sitios and the improvement of roads, to make it easier for his constituents to bring vegetables from their barangay to the urban areas. Being an ally of the administration, he said he will ask south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco to fund the building of the school so teenagers from his barangay would not have to walk three to four kilometers a day to go to a high school in the neighboring barangay. It's about time, he also said, that the rest of the barangay gets electricity. For years now, only the six-kilometer stretch from Sitio Cantipla to Tabunan proper has been enjoying power supply. (07-20-02, Sun.Star Cebu) Comelec
sets special polls in 41 Manila brys. MANILA -- Synchronized elections for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan posts are scheduled Saturday for areas in Manila where these were earlier suspended due to massive floods, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Friday. Comelec Chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. said they are ready to hold special polls in about 41 barangays in the metro, mostly in Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, and Valenzuela. Abalos said floodwaters in these areas have already receded and the weather has been favorable to allow the holding of the political exercise. As far as the special elections in the provinces are concerned, Abalos said they would finish the Metro polls first before they would tackle the elections elsewhere. Comelec Commissioner Ressureccion Borra said they are still waiting for the assessment of their regional election officers on the situation in their areas of concern. Flooding forced the Comelec to suspend the synchronized elections in some 527 barangays in many parts of Luzon. "But in areas where security concerns were the reason for the postponement, we would have to wait for the assessment of the Armed Forces and the police before the en banc would decide on a definite date," Borra said. Both Abalos assured they would definitely hold the elections not later than 30 days from the date of the postponement. (07-20-02, Sunnex-Luzon) SK,
brgy. polls in S. Mindanao turn out high DAVAO -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 has recorded a high turnout of voters in Southern Mindanao during the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. Based on the consolidated statistical data released by Comelec, voter turnout in the barangay elections for the region reached 70.90 percent and 78.49 percent for the SK electoral exercise. The highest percentage for the barangay elections was noted in the Island Garden City of Samal at 78.10 percent while Davao City registered the lowest at 59.67 percent. Davao City has the highest number of registered voters in the region with 543,583, but only 324,354 of them actually voted. For the SK, Davao del Sur registered the highest percentage at 84.36 percent after 18,853 of its 22,348 registered voters participated in the elections. The lowest was recorded in Davao Oriental at 70.08 percent. The rest of the voter turnout in the barangay elections are as follows: Davao del Norte (75.47 percent), Davao Oriental (75.40 percent), Davao del Sur (74.31 percent), South Cotabato (73.40 percent), Compostela Valley (72.68 percent), Sarangani (71.41 percent), Panabo City (69.81 percent), Tagum City (66.17 percent) and Digos City (64.04 percent). In the SK elections, the rest of the voter turnout include Island Garden City of Samal (84.21 percent), Davao del Norte (84.17 percent), South Cotabato (83.65 percent), Compostela Valley (79.83 percent), Sarangani (79.74 percent), Tagum City (76.20 percent), Panabo City (75.25 percent), Davao City (74.70 percent) and Digos City (70.12 percent). (07-19-02, Sun.star Davao) Brgy.
awaits Comelec ruling on poll failure BACOLOD -- The Commission on Elections en banc is yet to decide on the recommendation to declare a failure of elections in Barangay Winaswasan, Calatrava, said Victor Gaborne, acting regional election director. Gaborne issued the recommendation after only 53 out of 484 voters in the village cast their votes during Monday's synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. This, after the election proceedings was reportedly delayed due to the presence of the armed guerillas of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade. Gaborne told Sun.Star that if the en banc will declare a failure of elections, another election will be held not later than 30 days after Monday's election. Lawyer Marsha Cordero, acting provincial election supervisor, said military and police personnel will be deployed to Barangay Winaswasan if another election will be conducted. The rebels reportedly came to show support for candidate for barangay captain, Romulo Balaod. They, however, left right before the Philippine Army troopers arrived to secure the village. Voting only started at 4 p.m. and lasted until 7 p.m. as the residents refused to go to the polling precincts earlier for fear of the armed men. (07-19-02, Sun.star Bacolod) 3
Kusug defectors swell Bando to 44 CEBU -- At least three barangay chiefs identified with Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) defected to Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) Thursday. Barangay Chiefs-elect Rustica Asid of Buhisan and Romeo Ocarol of Pasil took their oath of office before Rep. Antonio Cuenco Thursday noon. Both officials cited easy access to projects and funding from the Cebu City Government as their reasons for joining the administration, just three days after the election. Nenita Bacus of Pamutan reportedly called up Cuenco past 2 p.m. to express her desire to join the administration as well. Cuenco, a BO-PK ally, said the party expects more Kusug barangay chiefs to defect but he did not name them yet. Two other barangay captains whose victories the Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed Thursday are also allied with BO-PK, which now has at least 44 of 80 captains on its side. The two are Michael Ocleasa of Day-as and Miguel Cabatino of Duljo-Fatima. A tie between a Kusug and a BO-PK ally, for the chairmanship of Barangay Tabunan, will be settled this afternoon. The barangay captains' alliances in Cebu City are crucial these days because of a pending resolution to recall Mayor Tomas Osmeña, signed by 399 of 710 barangay officials last July 6. Free to choose In an interview, Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president Jose Navarro said he could not stop the defectors "from leaving us (in Kusug). It's their choice. It's their right." "I understand they are afraid that they will not be given access to projects from City Hall. They are free to choose," he told Sun.Star. Osmeña has raised the possibility of reconciling with the barangay officials, except Navarro and Busay Barangay Captain-elect Eliodoro "Yody" Sanchez. "I do not accept mercenaries anymore. Just let them file charges," Osmeña said in a press conference at his residence Thursday. Sanchez, who earlier vowed to file charges against Osmeña for distributing bags of cement in Busay during the election period, said he will visit City Hall and ask for the mayor's forgiveness. He was also one of the barangay officials who signed the recall resolution against Osmeña. Open door So was Ocarol, who shifted parties Thursday. Cuenco escorted Asid, Ocarol, three other Pasil barangay councilors-elect and Ocarol's son, Sangguniang Kabataan President-elect Romeo Jr., to Osmeña's residence Thursday after the oath-taking ceremony in Cuenco's house in Barangay Guadalupe. There was no oath of membership to BO-PK, though, as it is not yet a political party accredited by the Commission on Elections. Osmeña welcomed the group, saying their allegiance to BO-PK will make for better teamwork with City Hall in delivering basic services. "Like I said, I did not have an open door policy last year because some of my leaders were running. Luoy man pod if I lock them out. I welcome almost all, but not everybody, especially those who I think are mercenaries," Osmeña said. After gaining majority of the city's barangay captains, BO-PK is now setting its sights on the ABC presidency, which Navarro holds. BO-PK's likely candidate is Guadalupe's Eugenio Faelnar, with the mayor even warning those who plan to contest Faelnar's candidacy that they may be booted out of the party if they do that. (07-19-02, Sun.Star Cebu) Post
poll clean up on for LGUs, says Lina MANILA -- "Now that elections are over, it is time to clean up the mess." So ordered Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose D. Lina Jr. Wednesday as he urged all city and municipal mayors, barangay and youth officials nationwide to take the lead role in cleaning their localities of election posters, streamers and similar campaign paraphernalia. In a memorandum, he reminded all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, barangay captains and DILG regional directors to undertake an after-election cleanup in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Lina said barangay officials - whether winners or losers should initiate the cleaning of their surroundings especially that the rainy season is here as it can add up to our waste problem. In the recently-concluded synchronized barangay and SK elections, a total of 671,100 barangay and SK positions were contested. Lina has directed all DILG Regional Directors, Provincial and City Directors to monitor the implementation of his order to all concerned local authorities. (07-18-02, Sunnex-Luzon) Modernization
to eat up Comelec's P10B budget MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is asking for P10.7 billion budget for 2003, P6.2 billion of which will cover the modernization plan. In connection with this, Comelec Commissioner Ressureccion Borra said Comelec would be holding a general registration for 2004 before the year ends to kick off its plan to upgrade the electoral process in the country. Borra said the Comelec already has its sight focused to the 2004 elections and the bulk of their 2003 budget has been apportioned to the computerization and automation of the electoral process. Although the Comelec en banc has yet to decide what method of modernization would be used, the P6.2 billion budget allocated for the modernization, approximates the P6.5 billion voters registration and identification system (VRIS), which status remains pending with the Supreme Court. Of the P10.7 billion budget, P440 million will be spent in preparation for the 2004 elections, P951 million for the absentee voting expenditures and at least P1 million will be for a new Comelec building. Expecting a heated argument over the issue of what system to be used, Borra said the Comelec would invite lawyers who would sit in the en banc next week and discuss the validity of all the systems being proposed. Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. himself avoided discussing the divisive VRIS issue and said he would excuse himself when the en banc deliberates on it. However, Borra said all these efforts would go to waste if a general voters' registration would not be held before the year ends. Borra said this registration is critical in maintaining a credible presidential election in 2004, the only problem, however, the Comelec does not have the budget for the general registration and holding one would require a law authorizing them to hold the registration. Under the Omnibus Election Code, Borra said a general registration could only be held every 12 years. The last time that a general listing was done in the country was in 1997, which schedules the next one in 2009 in time for the 2010 presidential election. Abalos said the Comelec needs at least a billion pesos to hold the general registration this year and this is expected to come from the national government, apart from their usual budget for next year. But the Comelec, Borra said, cannot wait that long anymore. "If we want to have a credible elections come 2004, we must hold the listing before the end of the year, otherwise we are stuck with the old voters' list, with probable minor cleansing," he said. Abalos, who was infuriated with the widespread reports of confusion marring the elections, traceable to an "unclean" voters' list, agreed. Abalos said the en banc has agreed to prioritize, more than anything, the "cleansing" of the voters list before the 2004 elections. "I'm not referring to any project or system but if we could have Congress adopt a law for the general registration it would be back to square one," Abalos said. Abalos said the new general registration, which would jumpstart the Comelec Modernization program, would have the voter's biometric characters in the list; fingerprints, signature, and photo. Comelec Commissioner Luzviminda Tancangco said they are looking into the possibility of using electronic equipment to process these fingerprints and photos. She also said the precinct mapping would have to be finished together with listing. "But we need to do all these by the end of the year, because by 2003 we would be focused on the automating and computerizing the voting and counting processes," Borra said. (07-18-02, Sunnex-Luzon) Winning
bets won't settle tie through toss coin GENERAL SANTOS -- TWO winning candidates for barangay chairman in San Jose locked in a tie refused to settle the deadlock via toss coin. City election officer Abraham Nilong said Alfredo Belgica and Ciriaco Saranas instead would request for a recount of the ballots. Belgica and Saranas both got 710 votes according to the official and final result submitted by members of the board of canvassers in San Jose. "Ayaw pumayag nung nanalong dalawang kandidato na mag-toss coin sila. Pero sa batas ng Commission on Election mag-toss coin talaga," Nilong said. The city election officer however proclaimed all seven winning candidates for councilors in the said barangay Tuesday morning. As of Wednesday, only the winners in Barangays San Jose and Lagao were not yet proclaimed. Incumbents Avelino Flores of Labangal, Delia Rabanes of Apopong and Rolly Frenilla of Fatima were already proclaimed Tuesday. In Upper Labay, proclamation of winning councilors also did not push through as four candidates were tied for the last slot. All of them also rejected the toss coin formula to determine who among them should be proclaimed winner. (07-18-02, Sun.Star General Santos) Dumaguete
elections peaceful, orderly DUMAGUETE -- The synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in Dumaguete City were generally peaceful, according to the assessment of the PNP City Police. So far, only incumbent and Piapi reelectionist Barangay Chief Jose Quitay complained that he and his companion were mauled by a group of 20 alleged supporters of his rival. Earlier, Quitay said on May 14, the eve of the elecitions, he received a telephone call who asked for financia assistance for the purchase of a coffin for someone who reportedly died at the Esturas Compound in Purok Tugas. Quitay said he initially turned down the request because it was on the eve of the elections as he could be accused of electioneering. But, later, he said, he changed his mind and went to the area only check on the request and was met by a group. The group allegedly called him a vote buyer and mauled him and his companion. The beatings stopped with the arrival of policemen. Meanwhile, Quitay's rival political group plan to file charges against the barangay chief for reportedly going house to house and campaigning on the evening before Monday's elections. Jun Benarao, a candidate for councilman, said his group is preparing the complaints for violating election laws against Quitay. Comelec has banned campaigning on the day before elections. (07-18-02, Sun.Star Dumaguete) Over 50 bets endorsed by Hugpong won: Rody DAVAO -- It was not a bad showing after all in the recently concluded elections for the candidates endorsed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. Duterte announced Wednesday that his candidates have won more than the 50 barangay captain posts with the winners coming mostly from the third district. "I think that we have reached more than 50. We got most of the slots in the third district," Duterte told City Hall beat reporters. Duterte had endorsed over a hundred candidates for barangay captain in the city's 183 barangays. Although most of the winners were non-Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod members, this does not mean that Duterte's group had a poor showing since there were barangays where Duterte endorsed more than one candidate. The ones who suffered most were Duterte's candidates in the poblacion area. Of the nine incumbents under Duterte, only four won, with one of them running unopposed. Those who won were Tospamis Igdamin of Langub, Odillon Ingayo of Barangay 21-C, Danilo Andoy of Bago Aplaya and Carlos Garcia of Barangay 2-A who ran unopposed. Incumbents Serge Collera of Mapa, Albert Baguilod of Catalu¤an Peque¤o, Eddie Saron of Bago Gallera, Alexis Montejo of Dumoy and Moreno Magbanua of Talomo lost. But Duterte reiterated that he will not associate with the winning candidates outside of Hugpong and maintained that is not going to attend the oath taking ceremony for barangay captains. "I do not intend to coalesce with anybody," Duterte said. When asked if he is ready to name his candidate for the elections for the Liga ng mga Barangay, Duterte replied: "I have yet to study the political menu." (07-18-02, Sun.Star Davao) More
peaceful polls in NPA-infested barangays BAGUIO -- Commission on Elections (Comelec) Regional Director Armando Velasco revealed Thursday that it was "generally more peaceful" in identified New Peoples Army-infested barangays than other areas of concern in the Cordillera on the eve and during Monday's joint barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. This developed even as both the police and the military reported that the CPP-NPA was monitored to have been trying to influence the results of elections in favor of alleged pro-revolutionary candidates. "We were actually surprised to note that naging mas peaceful pa ang elections sa mga identified NPA areas compared to other areas with less records of election-related crime incidents," Velasco told Sun.Star after the Kapihan forum Wednesday. Comelec records showed that NPA-infiltrated areas in Abra provinces are Barangays Mataragan, Duldulao, Buanao, Lat-ey, Umnap, Kili, Tabacda, Alantin, Sallapadan, Bazar and Ud-udiao. In Mt. Province, the areas are Can-eo, Dalican, Tamboan, Aguid, Fedilisan, Betwagan, Belwwang. In Kalinga, the barangays are Gawaan and Poswoy while the reported lone stronghold of the underground movement in Benguet is barangay Dalupirip in Itogon. Velasco claimed that majority of the reported election-related violence, which resulted in the death of some candidates and their supporters, took place in areas that are not NPA-infested. The Cordillera Police Regional Office reported on Monday that a series of election-related violence, including the shooting to death of some barangay chief candidates and their supporters occurred at the eve and during the supposedly peaceful and orderly synchronized barangay and SK elections. Reports obtained from the PRO-CAR Tactical Operations Division showed that operatives of the Abra Provincial Police Office recovered the cadaver of Marlon Pacursa, a candidate for barangay chief in Baog, San Juan Abra on July 14. Police also recovered eight live cal. 45 bullets from his pocket. A candidate for councilor in the same barangay, identified as Robert Bose, together with his two supporters, Nove Bolante and Joel Turqueza, were ambushed by two still unidentified heavily armed men while on their way to sitio Calao Proper. Turqueza died on the spot while the two others were unhurt. On July 5, Mariano Brianca, a barangay chief candidate in Namarabar, Abra, along his companion survived the attempt on their lives when a rival reportedly fired at them. (07-18-02, Sun.Star Baguio) Special
polls on Saturday for flooded Manila areas MANILA -- Postponed synchronized elections in flooded areas in Metro Manila will be held simultaneously this Saturday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Tuesday. Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said Comelec would finish this Saturday what it started last Monday --with an en banc decision to push through with the barangay and Sangunihang Kabataan (SK) elections in 39 barangays mostly in Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, and Valenzuela. Postponed elections in three barangays in Quezon City would also be held this weekend. Abalos is hopeful the floodwaters by then would have receded to levels enough to make elections possible. Abalos personally went to Sampaloc, Manila, to oversee the election held there Tuesday after Comelec erroneously postponed the exercise in the area due to misleading information relayed to the office. Abalos apologized anew to the registered voters in the barangay. In the provinces, however, Comelec Commissioner Ressureccion Borra said voters would have to wait a little longer before Comelec can decide on a definite date to hold elections there which were suspended due to flooding. About 527 barangays have been affected. "In areas where security concerns were the reason for the postponement, we would have to wait for the assessment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP before the en banc would decide on a definite date," Borra said. Both Abalos and Borra agreed that the elections would be held not later than 30 days from the postponement order. (07-17-02, Sunnex) Drop
recall, we end row: BO-PK tells ABC CEBU -- Withdraw the recall resolution against Mayor Tomas Osmeña now. This was the suggestion of three lawyers Tuesday, after many of the Kugi Uswag Sugbu (Kusug) reelectionists who signed the recall resolution lost last Monday. But official results in 51 of 80 Cebu City barangays, as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, still showed Kusug and Bando Osmeña in a tie, with 22 barangay chiefs each. Seven of the winners were not openly identified with either party. Official results of 29 remaining barangays, which could be available today, will show which party has the upper hand among barangay leaders, and how this will affect the move to recall Osmeña. But going by the results so far, former Cebu governor Lito Osmeña believes the recall move against his cousin won't prosper. Cebu City Councilor Manuel Legaspi said Tuesday those who will be elected as new officers of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) can withdraw the recall resolution. The recall matter would then become a legal question that can be submitted to the Supreme Court (SC). "Jose Navarro's days as ABC President are already numbered," the councilor said, echoing a statement of Osmeña. Osmeña announced Tuesday he may be open to a reconciliation with the barangay captains identified with Kusug, except for three. His exceptions include Navarro and Barangay Captain-elect Eliodoro Sanchez of Busay. 'Moral obligation' With majority of barangay captains on their side now, Legaspi said Guadalupe Barangay Captain Eugenio Faelnar Jr., who will be BO-PK's candidate for ABC president, is a sure winner. The new term starts on Aug. 15, followed by the ABC elections a month later. In a press conference Tuesday, Osmeña confirmed BO-PK will endorse Faelnar, who heads the largest barangay in the city, for ABC president. (He said Monday that BO-PK expected to get at least 40 of the 80 captains in the city, but some allies raised Tuesday their projections to 43-46.) Navarro has said he will seek reelection as ABC president. Former councilor Edgardo Labella, for his part, believes that changes among barangay officials---all of whom compose the preparatory recall assembly---place legal and moral obligations on the part of the "survivors" from the 399 members who approved the resolution to recall the mayor. Labella urged them to consider withdrawing the resolution and give Osmeña a chance to finish his term. Recall on? According to Labella, withdrawing the resolution will also serve as a gesture of courtesy to the newly elected barangay officials and an opportunity for reconciliation with the mayor. With the results of the elections, talking about the recall move is already moot, former governor Lito Osmeña said in a visit to the Provincial Capitol Tuesday. "Just look at the results of the elections. The recall move is no longer worth discussing," he said. But defeated Kamagayan Barangay Chairman Mansueto "Tito" Avila doesn't think so. Immediately after conceding to his brother Celestino last Monday, Tito vowed to continue working on the recall case. Tito blamed his defeat on his role in the recall move against Osmeña, where he acted as secretary of the preparatory recall assembly held at the Capitol last July 6. Withdraw it He said the recall process has to go on, especially now that it has been filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec). But like Labella, City Attorney Ramiro Madarang said the recall resolution can be withdrawn. Madarang pointed out this can be done right after the elected barangay officials assume office on Aug. 15 and without having to wait until the new ABC officers are chosen. The ABC elections will be conducted on Sept. 15. Madarang, who is Osmeña's chief counsel in the recall case, said the ABC officers are not the only ones who can convene the preparatory recall assembly. Any member can mobilize colleagues and re-convene the PRA in a public place to revoke the recall resolution. After the BO-PK candidates got an "overwhelming" majority, the pending question now is "whether anybody, including the court and the Comelec, is superior to the tribunal of the people," Madarang said, referring to the election results. "Vox populi, the voice of the people, is the supreme law," he added. Week after But Navarro, who survived a close fight with a BO-PK-supported challenger, is bent on pursuing the recall, though. "Natandog ko nga nangawa ang uban pero magpadayon ni," he said, pointing out that the law only requires that a recall resolution be approved by majority of the incumbent barangay officials. Like a court case subject to sub judice, merits of the recall resolution should not be commented on by people, particularly Comelec officials, Navarro added. City Election Officer Edwin Cadungog has told reporters the defeat of many Kusug allies could affect the validity of the recall resolution. Cadungog was also quoted saying that since Comelec has not yet started processing the resolution, this can still be withdrawn. City Election Officer Simaco Labata said he can attend to the recall one week after the barangay elections and only after the original documents are submitted to his office. Recalled first Navarro is confident the other leaders of the recall initiative like Kamagayan Barangay Captain Avila and Suba Barangay Captain Anick Jaca, will still help in their personal capacity, despite Monday's loss. Avila, who is PRA secretary and whose signature appears in every page of the recall documents, said he will help if his services would be needed. Navarro, Punta Princesa barangay captain, is also optimistic that even if the BO-PK gained additional seats, the captains will still choose on their own and would not be influenced by Osmeña. Told that Osmeña announced he will be endorsed for ABC president, Faelnar said he loves serving Guadalupe. It's because of this that he refused to run for councilor in 2001 even if he had a fighting chance. He will consult his family and other barangay captains about the ABC plan. He also felt sorry for the recall supporters who lost. "I advised the captains to wait after the elections. Tan-awa, mas na-recall pa sila ug una," Faelnar told Sun.Star. (They got recalled first.) Wary talk Councilor Gerardo Carillo claimed that even before Comelec declared the winners, BO-PK already received feelers from the barangay officials of the other camp that they are willing to join the administration. In a separate interview, Reynaldo Llorente of Hipodromo said Osmeña's invitation will be discussed by his fellow barangay officials. "Basig igsulod nako sa iyang opisina, maparehas nya ko ni Jessie Jayme (defeated Sudlon 2 barangay captain). Masinghagan nya ko. Dili lang ko mag-una-una," he told Sun.Star. (What if he drives me out once I enter his office, like he did Sudlon 2 Barangay Captain Jessie Jayme?) Reelected Barangay Chief Joel Garganera of Tinago said he will support the administration as long as its projects are good for the city. "For as long as they won't stop collecting the garbage, lighting our streets and augmenting our resources, we will always work hand in hand with the City Government." "But if we talk about politics, that's another story," Garganera said. (07-17-02, with Gingging A. Campaña & Lorenzo P. Niñal/Sun.Star Cebu) Tie
in votes delay result for youth winners in 8 villages PANGASINAN -- Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) winners in eight barangays in Dagupan City have not been proclaimed due to a tie in votes. Felimon B. Vinluan of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Dagupan said some of the aspirants for SK chairmen in the eight remaining barangays garnered tie votes. These barangays are Barangay I, Bonuan Gueset, Carael, Malued, Poblacion Oeste, Salapingao, Tambac and Tebeng. "The most probable way of determining the winner in a tie vote is through the toss coin method," Vinluan said. Vinluan said the 10 barangays in the city wherein elections were earlier suspended due to flooding will be held Friday. (07-17-02, Sun.Star Pangasinan) Services go on even with non-Hugpong winners: Duterte DAVAO -- City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte does not intend to join forces with barangay captains outside of the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod political group who won in Monday's election. "I only have nine of the 180 plus barangay captains (in the last elections). I would like to maintain that number," Duterte told reporters. "Politically, I remain afar," he added. He made the statement in the wake of reports that the candidates he endorsed for barangay captain suffered a beating in the July 15 barangay and youth elections. Based on the initial result of the elections, incumbent barangay captains who supported former Davao mayor Benjamin C. de Guzman in the May 2001 elections won over Hugpong-endorsed aspirants. In Catalunan Grande, Jesus Sabio, a known de Guzman ally, won over his rivals while in Buhangin, incumbent Claudia Salvador bested her Hugpong opponents to earn another mandate. Of the nine barangay captains who supported Duterte in the May 2001 elections, only three won this time. They are Teopanes Igdamin (Langub), Danilo Andoy (Bago Aplaya), Odelon Ingayo Sr. (21-C). But Duterte is unfazed, although he admitted that City Hall will have to work with the barangay captains in order not to hamper the delivery of services to the people. "We should coordinate with each other," Duterte said. Meanwhile, some of the winners for barangay captains already proclaimed by the Commission on Elections include Benjamin Manggubat (1-A), Pedro Tombo (3-A), Rogelio Nocum (4-A), Edgar Ibuyan (5-A), Rene Gatchalian (8-A), Juanito Apale (9-A), Birondo Barril (11-D), Antonia Sumalinog (12-D), Robert Adlawan (13-B); Wilfredo Macedo (14-B), Servillano Guingan (15-B), Ricardo Sagrado (17-B), William Lozada (18-B), Antonio Arbule (19-B), Eduardo Vergara (20-B), Antinio Lu (27-C), Margie Coral (28-C), Eddie Fuentes (29-C), Hernani Verde (31-D), Antonio Bantayan (32-D), Ysmael Cahiwat (33-D), Anita Bonjoc (36-D) and Jimmy Asis (38-D). (07-17-02, Sun.star Davao) Wait for honoraria, teachers told GENERAL SANTOS -- The Commission on Electins (Comelec) on Tuesday advised teachers who served in the recently concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to wait for a few more days for their P800 honorarium. City Election Officer Abraham Nilong said he has not yet received the budget allocated by the City Government to teachers and poll tellers who served during Monday's election. He likewise said he still has to receive the checks for the honorarium of teachers from the Comelec central office in Manila. "We can't yet say when could we give the allowances to the teachers, we haven't received anything from Manila"," Nilong said in Tagalog. Over 3,000 public school teachers served as board of election tellers and inspectors in the barangay elections. The Comelec office here has requested P1.2 million from the City Government for the honoraria of election tellers and inspectors. Meanwhile, candidates who ran in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were already told to file their statement of campaign expenditures. Nilong said the candidates are required to file their statements whether they won or lost in the just concluded barangay election. He warned that winning candidates would not be allowed to assume office if they failed to file their expense statements. Losing candidates will also be disqualified from running in the future elections if they also fail to comply with the Comelec requirement. Each candidate in the barangay elections was only allowed to spend P3 for each registered voter in their respective areas. (07-17-02, Sun.star General Santos) Toledo City bet linked to
'goons,' wins council post CEBU -- Either the residents have become more afraid of him or they simply did not believe the allegations against him. Rene Imbralinag got re-elected and became first councilor of Barangay Capt. Claudio, Toledo City after last Monday's elections. Incumbent barangay captain Aniceto Nadela, who was the target of armed men authorities encountered Monday dawn, also earned a fresh mandate from his constituents. Two of the 15 alleged goons, whom the police engaged in a 15-minute firefight, earlier claimed Imbralinag commissioned their services, supposedly to raid the houses of Nadela and his supporters. The two, Jacinto Menes, 28, and Plaridel Reyes, 41, are now facing complaints of illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban. Sr. Supt. Jose Antonio Salvacion, Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director, said they will also file complaints against Imbralinag and the rest of the group for resisting arrest. Despite what happened, Salvacion said Cebu province was generally peaceful. He credited the peace to the Central Command (Centcom) soldiers in northern Cebu and the deployment of eight teams of policemen to at least seven towns. Last Monday's elections, he said, saw fewer false alarms and election-related incidents, and "relatively less" conflicting reports compared to last year's political exercise. Toledo City Comelec election assistant Nilo Evangelista said Imbralinag earned the slot as first councilor after garnering a total of 371 votes. Regina Conahap, who was elected councilor next to Imbralinag, got 351 votes. Nadela earlier said there were 1,500 voters in the barangay, but the 528 votes he garnered were enough to give him an edge over rival Jose Pilapil Jr. by just 14 votes. Salvacion said he took last Monday's encounter positively because it means the police were up and about doing their work, pre-empting possible terrorism of voters in Capt. Claudio. He believes that Bernie Tura, who was shot in the buttocks by Tarroza's team during the encounter, was innocent. Tura, he said, could have been the person whom Tarroza said they managed to hit during the firefight, which happened around 3 a.m. last Monday. The encounter resulted to the arrest of Reyes and Menes, and the wounding of Tura and Menes' brother Isidro. Aside from Imbralinag, his brother Jerry, Reyes' brother Danilo, and a certain Rolando and Ryan Provida were also identified as among the armed men, who fired at the policemen when they were told to surrender. In other parts of Cebu, the elections in Barangay Mabunao in Tabuelan, which Salvacion considered an area of immediate concern, was uneventful, as was the case in almost all areas in Cebu province. He thanked Col. Jonas Sumagaysay of Task Force Cebu for watching over the elections in mid-north Cebu most especially in Tabuelan. "No election-related incident in Tabuelan due to the presence of government forces. They (rebels) had second thoughts (about disrupting the elections) because they know government troops were on standby," he said. (07-17-02, Sun.Star Cebu) Ballot theft, 2 bry bets' killing
mar polls CAMP DANGWA -- A series of election-related violence, including the shooting to death of two barangay candidates occurred at the eve and during the supposedly peaceful and orderly synchronized barangay and youth elections in the Cordillera Monday. This developed even as the Police Regional Office (PRO) in the region and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) both revealed that election supervisors in the provinces also reported incidents of ballot snatching. Reports obtained from the PRO-CAR Tactical Operations Division showed that operatives of the Abra Provincial Police Office investigated Monday night the killing of Marlon Pacursa, a candidate for barangay head in Baog, San Juan Abra. Police also recovered eight live bullets of a cal. 45 from his pocket. The motive behind Pacursa's death is still being determined. A candidate for councilman in the same barangay, identified as Robert Bose, together with his two supporters, Nove Bolante and Joel Turquez, were on their way to Sitio Calao Proper when fired at by two still unidentified armed men. Turqueza died on the spot while the two others were unhurt. On July 5, Mariano Brianca, a barangay chief candidate in Namarabar, Abra, along his companion survived an attempt on their lives when political rival reportedly fired at them. The Kalinga police, on the other hand, reported that unidentified armed men snatched a ballot box under the custody of three polling clerks who were on their way to Barangay San Isidro, Cudal, Tabuk. Operatives of the Kalinga police and 21st Infantry Battalion of the Army stationed in the province successfully recovered the ballot box. It was not reported if the recovered box was still intact or already destroyed. Comelec-CAR Director Armando Velasco, in a telephone interview, said that election officers assigned in barangays said to be infiltrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army reported a peaceful and orderly conduct of elections in these areas. (07-16-02, Sun.Star Baguio) Jeep
falls into ravine: voter dies, 23 hurt DAVAO -- A pregnant woman who was on her way to cast her vote died when the jeepney she was riding in with 23 other persons fell into a 100-foot ravine in Barangay Magtuod, Maa, Davao City Monday. Rosita Bunso, 42, who was seven months pregnant, died while being treated at the Brokenshire Hospital. Bunso was a resident of Lower Dampa, Barangay Magtuod. Her companions were also on their way to the polling precincts to cast their votes. Bunso's husband, Hermenio, 47, told Sun.Star Monday afternoon that what caused his wife's death was a broken spinal cord. "Ingon pa ang doctor nga nabali daw ang spinal cord plus mga samad og bun-og pa gyud," Hermenio said as he tried to control his tears. (The doctor said that her spinal cord was broken and she also sustained wounds and bruises.) Balvina Tampus, 62, and jeepney driver Osias Lucob, 45, were in critical condition as of Monday afternoon. They are being treated at the Davao Medical Center. Others treated in the same hospital are Calixto Lagunda, 30, his two-year-old child Mary Grace Lagunda, Reta Serrano, 64, her daughter-in-law Berlita Serrano, 37, Bunso's son, Rommel, 24, Josephine Signe, 43, her brother-in-law Mario Signe, 43, Roland Encharte, 28, Michelle Castro, 20, Nonito Saludaga, 28, and Roldan Kilay, 28. Those taken to the Davao Doctors' Hospital were Wilfredo Saragoza, 39, and his wife Rosalinda, 34, their children Catherine, 4 and Jenneth, 6, and Jerry Saludaga, 27. The rest of the victims were taken to the Brokenshire Hospital. Some of the victims were hitching a ride in the jeepney of Lucob, Norma's husband, and who is running for barangay councilor. They were on their way to the polling precincts at around 8:30 a.m. Monday. Dante Maglasang, 25, brother-in-law of Saludaga, said some 25 people were aboard the jeepney, with five passengers riding on the vehicle's roof. Maglasang said when the jeepney was negotiating an uphill road near the Fatima Chapel in Magtuod when the vehicle's gear malfunctioned, causing it to move backwards. It then fell into the ravine. (07-16-02, Sun.Star Davao) Violence, fraud mar barangay, SK polls AT LEAST 70 people have been killed and two dozen injured in election-related violence, the military said Monday, as the country held polls to choose barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials. In the latest incident, gunmen opened fire early Monday on civilians in front of a polling precinct at a village near Tandubas town in the remote southern island of Tawi-Tawi, instantly killing three people, a military report said. The incident was the most violent reported in Monday's polls, although police also received reports about:
Other election spoilers reported Monday included: ballot snatching, vote buying, and flying voters. Despite these "isolated cases of violence," PNP Chief Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. assessed Monday's elections as "generally peaceful." Comelec Chair Benjamin Abalos Jr. agreed with Ebdane's assessment, saying the main problem pestering this latest exercise was the unreliable list of registered voters. Election-related The attack in Tawi-Tawi occurred shortly before residents were to case their votes, raising suspicion the gunmen, who fled after the attack, could have been hired by any of the warring political clans in the area, the military said. Concerning the beheading in Barangay Talisay in South Cotabato, police said neighbors discovered the headless corpse of Shmarie Mukamad near her home. "We still do not know the motives of the attack, but this could be election-related because the victim was said to be a candidate for the village polls," Police Regional Office (PRO) Director Bartolome Baluyot said. In the Cordilleras, police reported that a candidate for barangay chief of Baog, San Juan, Abra was shot dead Monday. A day before, Joel Turquez, a candidate for a council seat in the same barangay, also succumbed to gunshot wounds when he and his supporters were attacked. Police in Cebu, on the other hand, arrested two persons said to be among the 15 alleged armed goons of an incumbent barangay councilor in Toledo City that clashed with law enforcers Monday dawn. They said the armed men were hired to terrorize residents of Barangay Captain Claudio and prevent them from voting for the rivals of the councilor's group in Monday's elections. On Sunday, armed men believed hired by a local politician also engaged an Army patrol in a gun battle near the town of Maguing in southern Lanao del Sur province, the military said. Three of the gunmen were killed and several high-powered firearms were confiscated, it added. Early Monday, a grenade fired from an M79 launcher exploded at the compound of Mayor Datu Esrael Sinsuat in South Upi, Maguindanao. This was followed by another explosion at around 2:20 a.m. in nearby Barangay Timanan, believed to be from an 81 mm mortar shell. No one was reported injured in the explosions. No major incidents Lieutenant General Gregorio Camiling, who heads a special task force tracking poll violence, said there were no major incidents in Manila and in nearby urban areas. However, he said more than 3,000 troops backed by 2,470 reservists were deployed Monday to various polling precincts nationwide to prevent further bloodshed. Helicopters, military trucks and naval vessels have also been dispatched to transport and protect poll officials in remote barangays, Camiling said. He said elements of a Marine battalion had been deployed in the central island of Masbate and nearby Camarines Sur province, areas most hit by violence. All in all, police have listed a total of 7,973 barangays as "areas of concern," said Senior Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, PNP spokesman. These areas, he said, either have a history of intense political rivalry and violence in previous elections or are within the areas of operations of dissident, secessionist and terrorist forces. Nevertheless, if there is one thing the Commission on Elections learned from the political exercise, it is to upgrade the "unclean" voters' list that sowed confusion in Monday's polls. Abalos said while the turnout was "encouraging," there were the widespread complaints from voters whose names were not in the list. What was so appalling was the deletion from the voters list of at least 1,000 candidates in the barangays where they were supposed to be running for various posts. "All these problems concerning the voters list must be addressed in preparation for our 2004 elections," a frustrated Abalos said. (07-16-02, Sunnex/With AFP) Voters'
turnout low for barangay, SK polls GENERAL SANTOS -- Turnout in Monday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections all over the city was low, as expected. Teachers manning several polling precincts in Barangay Lagao said turnout was less than fifty per cent and could go as low as 35 percent. Election officers at the precinct level said the mergers and the re-listing of voters from alphabetical to purok level have contributed to the low turnout of voters. As of 2:30 p.m. Monday some precincts in Lagao reported only 30 per cent voter turnout. Poll watcher Mark Fernandez in Dadiangas North attributed the small number of actual voters to the continuous holidays. He said some people might have not returned from their vacation during the weekend since Monday was a non-working holiday. Over at the Divinagracia Elementary School in Bula, only 43 percent of the total number of registered voters from 41 precincts cast their votes. The Police Regional Office in Region PRO) 12 has not reported any election-related violence so far. Senior Supt. Edgar Valdellon, PRO 12 operations officer, said they have not received any report of election-related disturbances throughout the region. General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) Director Jorge Aquisap also said the elections were generally peaceful in the city. "So far so good," Aquisap added. Col. Agustin Dema-ala, 601st deputy commander, also said there were no reports of election-related incidents all over the area covered by their command. He however said that 40-year-old Tony Tabarlong of Oanamin, Malungon in Sarangani, was killed when a group of unidentified gunmen strafed his house on the eve of the elections. Dem-ala was quick to add, though, that the incident was not related to the barangay elections. No incident of election disturbance was also noted in four city barangays that were earlier declared as special areas of concerns. Dema-ala said Capt. Nilo Ramones, who was assigned to oversee the security of barangays Olimpog, San, Jose, Mabuhay and Upper Labay, reported that the elections in the said areas went on smoothly. The military were earlier deployed in the said barangays after members of the New People's Army were reportedly sighted in the area. Dema-ala also reported that voting in five clusters barangays in Palimbang were delayed after the ballot boxes failed to arrive on time due to rough seas. "What we did was transport the ballot boxes and election paraphernalia through land," Dema-ala said in explaining the delay. Actual voting at the Dadiangas North Elementary School was also peaceful and one of the calmest held in the city. "Tahimik naman," said SPO4 Antonio Doctolero who was assigned there with two other police officers and two Philippine Marine soldiers. The only complaints he received came from those who couldn't find their names in the voters' list. "Yung minsan may naghahanap ng pangngalan pero nahanap rin," Doctolero said. By 5 p.m., with the exception of 3 precincts, canvassing was over at the Dad. North Elem. School which has 14 voting precincts and around 2200 registered voters. Some 38 per cent of the total number of registered voters cast their votes in the said barangay. Incumbent barangay chairman "Johnny Boy" Bautista was leading the race in the unofficial and partial poll results. In Barangay Lagao, incumbent barangay chairman Rolito Blando is leading over his opponents Meynard Avila and Flaviano Roxas. City councilor and incumbent Barangay West chairman Jacinto Acharon is also leading against three other opponents where voter turnout was around 42 per cent. (07-16-02, with reports from Merlyn F. Velarde, Floreen Anne C. Bartulaba of Sun.Star General Santos) Penniless Tito, no-show in Diwalwal
brgy polls DAVAO -- It was a case of a candidate who did not show up in the voting. Mt. Diwata Barangay Captain Franco Tito, a re-electionist, was a no-show in Monday's barangay election in the gold-rich mountain barangay. The controversial village leader who clashed with such biggies as Police General Eduardo Matillano, Rep. Manuel "Way Kurat" Zamora and Monkayo Mayor Joel Brillantes, decided to be absent because he did not have money. Sun.Star Davao visited Tito at his residence in Panabo City Monday. He said he decided not to go to Diwalwal since he does not have the money to spare for voters. "Wala koy kwarta. Kahibalo bitaw ka na eleksyon karon. Bisag pangkape wala gyud ko (Got no money even for coffee. It's election time, you know)," he said. Tito didn't really have to go and vote. He ran unopposed and therefore already assured of victory. Under the law, when one is unopposed, it takes only one vote to validate his election. On the other hand, Tito revealed that the recent re-implementation of the controversial cease and desist order by Monkayo Mayor Joel Brillantes has somehow affected the turnout of voters. He said some voters had already left Diwalwal for fear of being caught in the crossfire between big miners. Of the over 9,000 registered voters in Diwalwal, Tito said the usual turnout would vary from 3,000 to 4,000 since, as he said, most of the residents there are transients who came and go without registering as voters. Supt. Jaime Morente, Compostela Valley Police Provincial Director, said as of yesterday afternoon, there were no untoward incident in the conflict-torn Diwalwal. (07-16-02, Sun.Star Davao) Dismissal,
violations spoil joint elections CAGAYAN -- The disqualification of 14 barangay candidates, electoral violations and partisan politicking by officials spoiled an otherwise peaceful barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections held Monday in Cagayan de Oro city. City Comelec officer Joseph Hamilton Cuevas said the Comelec central office in Manila determined that the 14 failed to pass the requirements set for registered voters. "Some of them are running in the wrong barangay since they are registered somewhere else while some are deactivated voters," he said. Among those disqualified were barangay chairman candidate Ananias Macua, who is reportedly identified with the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP)-Laban camp of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. Cuevas said their Comelec canvass maps revealed that Macua and the rest of his fellow aspirants are living adjacent to the Balacanas Creek, which is part of Barangay Consolacion already. "That is what the records say that is what we are following...we cannot just go against the official maps and records just to accommodate them," he said. Mayor Vicente Emano, who faces administrative and criminal charges filed by Macua before the Office of the Ombudsman said he has nothing to do with the disqualification of the latter and his running mates. "That is the Comelec's decision not mine," he said. When asked to elaborate, the mayor told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that it is a good thing that Macua is no longer a candidate. "Maayo na kay natagaan ug hustisya ug kaangayan kalinis ang piniliay kung dili na siya (Macua) kandidato kay wa siya makadagan sa husto nga barangay. Alangan ug lalison mo ang Comelec diha," he said. (This is good as there will be justice, fairness and a clean election exercise now that Macua is no longer a candidate as he is running in the wrong barangay. You cannot go against the Comelec's decision.) Sorry Emano and the rest of the City Council are still facing charges of Grave Abuse of Authority and Misconduct in Office after suspending Macua for almost the same reason last 2000. Cuevas said they submitted to Comelec-Manila their recommendation for the disqualification of the 14 aspirants as based on Resolution 4801 since last month. He said they have received the decision of the Comelec en banc to disqualify the candidates just last week and have taken measures to inform them of the order. Cuevas added that he received several calls of complaints and even harassment from the disqualified candidates and their lawyers since then. "But I would like to say sorry to them as it is the Comelec en banc who decided this not I...they should talk to them not to me," he said. Cuevas revealed that some of the candidates who took heed of this advice have already filed their versions of motions for reconsideration at the Comelec-Manila Office. He said he would only follow the en banc's order as soon as it arrives. Getting away with it Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 10 said there were two major cases of electoral violations, which occurred as of 6 p.m. Monday. The first involved some Barangay Balulang aspirants who gave food to some people at Balulang Elementary School. Cuevas said while giving food may be considered as bribe giving and thus an electoral violation the candidates still get away with it. "They (candidates) can always say that these people are my watchers and supporters," he said after the NBI conferred with him and left. NBI agent Ondoy Sarmiento said they referred the matter to Cuevas since he and other Comelec personnel know more about the Election Code than they do. Another case involved the alleged harassment committed on voters which occured at City Central School late Monday afternoon. Sarmiento said the harassment was instigated by "outsiders" who left the area the minute they arrived. He said they could not reveal more about the incident since most of it are confidential information. Sarmiento said they have conducted patrols starting at dawn until after the end of the elections. No room Elsewhere, some voters and poll watchers were at a loss at the Golden Heritage Polytechnic College (GHPC) since four ballot boxes and the accompanying voters registration record (VRR) didn't arrive as 9 am drew near. The ballot boxes that were delayed in yesterday's election exercise at Barangay Carmen include Precint numbers 387A, 386A, 411A and 414A. Fernando Merkado, Girtudes Daclan, Agije Ajijui, Durante Congod and a certain Balili said they already conducted a thorough check in all the GHPC rooms but they were unable to locate Precint No. 386A and 387A. They say the teachers assigned to serve as members of the Board of Election Tellers (BETs) were not around and there is no room for the four precincts. "Several voters have already gone home as they have waited since early 7 a.m.," were there statements. At 9:30 a.m. Cuevas, Department of Education (DepEd) Election coordinator Leo Obsioma and Election officer Marilou Nacaytuna arrived with the ballot boxes and VRRs. Cuevas apologized to the voters and poll watchers saying that the teachers assigned did not arrive as scheduled. He, Obsioma and Nacaytuna proceeded to update and assign the reserved teachers and government employees who served as BETs to the two precincts. (07-16-02, Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro) BO-PK
wins 40 brys; Navarro survives CEBU -- Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) leaders celebrated at Mayor Tomas Osmeña's residence in Guadalupe last night after their tabulation showed their allies won 40 out of 80 barangay captains' seats in Cebu City. Kugi Uswag Sugbu (Kusug) leaders said they did not make their own tabulation, but lawyer Aristotle Batuhan doubted the administration party's claim of an even split. He said that in the south district alone, only three of 20 Kusug allies lost. What made the administration's victory sweeter, Councilor Manuel Legaspi told Sun.Star last night, was that "major actors" in the recall move against the mayor were beaten by their candidates. Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president Jose Navarro was the only survivor among the "mythical five" Osmeña promised to wipe out in the elections. According to complete but unofficial results gathered last night, Barangay Captains Nicasio Jaca of Suba, Jessie Jayme of Sudlon 2 and Rico Salma of Pahina Central lost to their challengers. (The fifth member of the "mythical five," Nilo Servila of Tejero, recently passed away.) He's history Reelectionist Barangay Captains Mansueto Avila of Kamagayan, Sergio Ocaña of Sawang Calero, Francis Pestaño of Lorega, Alan Masecampo of San Antonio and Atilano Sadaya of Camputhaw also lost. They were among the 54 barangay captains who signed last July 6 the resolution to subject Osmeña to a recall election. "I'm happy that many of the casualties are among the Kusug allies who signed for the recall. You ask Anick (Jaca), where he is now? He's history," Osmeña said in a radio interview. "The recall will backfire on them like a grenade," Osmeña told reporters, earlier in the day. Despite the defeat of opposition barangay officials, organizers of the move to recall Mayor Osmeña remain optimistic. Preparatory recall assembly spokesman Ted Ayeng the election results will have "minimal effects" on the recall plan. Navarro said they will continue to push for Osmeña's recall despite the defeat of some allies. Legal question He attributed the losses of Jaca (Suba) and Avila (Kamagayan), the recall assembly's marshal and secretary, respectively, to vote buying since both areas are "depressed" barangays. For his part, Tomas Recall Ouster Movement spokesman Edward Ligas said they will continue to gather up to 96,000 signatures until Comelec Manila schedules a recall election. Osmeña arrived with his wife Margot at the University of the Philippines High School, where the Barangay camputhaw polling center was located, at 10:15 a.m. Monday. "Even if they have served 20 to 30 years, they still backfired. (Atilano) Sadaya is going to lose," he predicted, referring to the Camputhaw barangay captain. Sadaya was also among the 399 officials who signed the recall resolution. "I'm happy that they (his critics) lost. Mamenos na akong problema," the mayor also said. (At least my problems will lessen.) Cebu City Election Officer Simaco Labata said the recall resolution may become open to a legal question if many of the 399 barangay officials who voted for it don't get a fresh mandate. Osmeña's camp earlier said they would question the preparatory recall assembly's resolution if many of those who signed it lose in the elections. People's reaction "According to experts, since they did it during their official term of duty, the act is binding. But ang measure ana is wa ba ilara kadtong namirma didto," Legaspi said. (Did they fool those who signed?) "The result is a reflection of the sentiments of the people. The voters ganged up on the people who'd like to disturb the administration of Tomas," the councilor told Sun.Star in a phone interview. Batuhan, however, said a changing of the guards in some barangays is normal, as he pointed out that the last such election was in 1997 yet. People found that some incumbent officials performed poorly, or simply felt they had enough of them, he said. For BO-PK, according to Legaspi, the results are encouraging enough for them to prepare for the ABC elections. With BO-PK allied captains now numbering 40, from only 19, Guadalupe Barangay Captain Eugenio Faelnar Jr. is "a sure winner" against Navarro, who intends to seek reelection as ABC president. Legaspi said BO-PK may also scout for "ABC material" from the new faces elected to barangay posts. BO-PK is confident they could sway five to 10 more barangay captains to their side. Heated, peaceful Except for a false alarm---supposedly the fatal shooting of a barangay captain---Cebu City's synchronized elections were conducted without any violence. (That wasn't the case in the province.) Last night, however, about 50 teachers were held "hostage" in the canvassing area at the Labangon Elementary School by around 500 supporters, who believed they were out to switch ballot boxes. Supporters of Labangon Barangay Chief Felix Abella, who is seeking reelection, accused teacher Anita Brigoli of siding with BO-PK's Asisclo Abella. It turned out the teachers were on their way to the Comelec to submit the election returns and the City Treasurer's Office to bring the ballot boxes. Although canvassing ended at past 7 p.m., the tired and starving teachers were not able to leave the school until 9 p.m., escorted by policemen summoned by Election Officer Labata. Only part of the official results reached Comelec last night, but the initial trends show neither party can claim a decisive majority. In Pahina Central, Osmeña ally Sisinio Andales, a lawyer, won. But in Tinago, Joel Garganera, one of those who signed the recall resolution, also survived. Pahina takeover Even the green banner reminding all 2,000 voters of Pahina Central of the celebrated Chiong case did not work. Defeated two-term Barangay Captain Rico Salma, who admitted his loss as early as 6:50 p.m., said Andales won because the administration party gave away bags of cement during the campaign. Andales was known for defending Josman Aznar, one of the accused in the Chiong case. As the number one councilor of Pahina-Central, Andales, who is identified with BO-PK, ran but lost to Carmelita Piramide (now a city councilor) in the Liga nga mga Barangay Kagawad ng Pilipinas (LBKP) elections in August 1997. He was known for his desire to seek an amendment to the Local Government Code, so an LBKP ex-officio member can sit in the City Council. Andales, who has been number one councilor for two terms, has vowed to organize a battery of lawyers to help barangay kagawads in litigation. Had his appointment not been shelved by the City Council last year for lack of budget, Andales would have been one of Mayor Osmeña's consultants. He has offered to provide City Hall his "consultancy and operational services in the field of legal arbitration, urban housing and marketing administration, intra-corporate disputes and conciliation, crime and felony detection, socio-economic and other welfare activities." Tinago defense But not all critics of the mayor lost. Tinago's Joel Garganera held on to his post of barangay captain, which he has held for 13 years, over his challengers Fe Cabugao, his old political rival, and the barangay's number one councilor Domingo Lopez. Lopez, a president of the workers' union of the Visayan Electric Company, is Vice Mayor Michael Rama's first cousin. Supporters said that Lopez, who formed his own lineup named Pagbati sa Katawhan, decided to seek the chairman's post after a short stint as officer-in-charge (when Garganera ran for a City Council seat, but lost in 2001). Some voters say that Garganera owe it to Lopez when he lost the 2001 elections because the first councilor who acted as village chief was able to manage the barangay well. "Na war shock pa man gud si Joel ato. It took him time to face the barangay again. Maayo man sab pagkadala ni Doming ang barangay," a Tinago resident told Sun.Star. Cabugao, on the other hand, has long been Garganera's political rival. She is reported to be the candidate of the administration. (07-16-02, with Mia E. Abellana & Charmaine Y. Rodriguez/Sun.Star Cebu)
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