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Tuesday, July 23, 2002
Cabahug’s backers cry fraud, hold rally
By Aledel A. Gonzalez
SYMPATHIZERS of a candidate for barangay captain in Mandaue City refuse to accept their bet’s loss in last Monday’s elections.
They claim that the chairman of the board of canvassers hasn’t officially proclaimed a winner.
At least 50 supporters of Edilito “Cholly” Cabahug gathered outside the office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Mandaue yesterday afternoon and claimed that Cabahug, an incumbent councilor of Barangay Looc, was cheated during the canvassing of votes.
“Hain na among boto para kang Cholly?” was written on one of their placards. (Where are our votes for Cholly?)
Edward Degamo, one of the leaders at the rally, said in an interview that incumbent Barangay Chief Editha Cabahug, Cholly’s aunt, was proclaimed without the presence of the chairman of the board of canvassers, Raul Liego.
Degamo said their group has been asking Liego to show them the results of the canvassing of votes, but was refused.
He added that in their group’s canvassing, Cholly won, but was surprised Editha was instead proclaimed.
For them, there is no official winner in Looc yet until Liego shows up with the results.
If Liego’s records show Editha as the winner, they would call for a recount of the votes.
Degamo further claimed that three teachers revealed their involvement in an anomaly in the canvassing.
Degamo’s group aired their grievances and kept chanting “Cholly,Cholly!” outside the Comelec office, which is at the second floor of the sports complex, while policemen were posted at least 20 meters away.
Degamo later went to the Comelec office where city election officer Rolando Chiu explained to him certain election processes.
Chiu told Degamo that a representative of their group could meet with Liego in a “neutral atmosphere” so Liego could air his side.
Chiu suggested to Degamo that since the group’s sentiments were already aired, their lawyer should start working by filing a protest.
The city election officer added that as early as the canvassing of votes, the watchers should have already been alert in pointing out discrepancies in the counting.
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