It was the last matter that Provincial Comelec Supervisor Edwin Cadungog attended to before the order for his transfer to Toledo City was implemented.
The first to be heard was the petition for cancellation of the certificate of candidacy (COC) filed by mayoral candidate Salvador dela Fuente against fellow candidates Salvacion Labrador and Alexander dela Fuente.
He said in his complaint that dela Fuente is the nephew of Rufino Mancio, husband of Mayor Lety Mancio, who is seeking reelection. Labrador, he said, is the first cousin of Mancio.
He said both candidates have no intention of running for mayor “except for the purpose of putting the election process in mockery or disrespect.”
Lawyer Bernardito Florido represented Salvador dela Fuente.
Labrador said that dela Fuente has no right to block her candidacy, being a “stranger” in their town.
‘Stranger’
“His business interest in the locality shows that he has no political agenda to help the constituents, but instead the protection of his business,” said Labrador.
She said that contrary to dela Fuente’s claim, she has the political machinery to wage a campaign.
Also heard was the petition filed by Mancio to cancel dela Fuente’s registered nickname.
Mancio asked the Comelec not to allow Salvador to use the nickname SM, saying the two letters can easily be used to manipulate ballots.
As Salvador is using two nicknames, Mancio’s camp cited Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code, which says that a candidate is entitled to use only one nickname, the one by which he is popularly known in the locality.
Mancio said “SM” is not Salvador’s nickname but the name of his business establishment in Madridejos.
But Salvador said the alternative nickname will not affect votes for Mancio, who he said has nicknames very different from his.
The cases are up for resolution.
The 11 remaining petitions are also set for hearing within the week. (KNT)
