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Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Lawyer seeks cancellation of Manipula's candidacy
By Nanette L. Guadalquiver
A LAWYER from Sara, Iloilo has sought the cancellation of the certificate of candidacy (COC) of fifth district congressional bet Ariel Manipula allegedly for being a "green card" holder or permanent resident alien of the United States.
Complainant Roberto Cal Catolico said Manipula made a "deliberate misrepresentation" of his true residency status in the US when he stated in his COC that he is a resident of Concepcion, Iloilo.
He also asked the Comelec to cancel Manipula's registration as voter.
Manipula, who is running against reelectionist Rep. Rolex Suplico, is said to be an immigration lawyer based in the US. He is a candidate of the administration party Lakas-CMD.
He also ran for board member in 2001 but he lost to Provincial Board Members Eric Barbosa Sr. and Victorino Salcedo II.
In a three-page petition filed before the Commission on Elections Provincial Office, Catolico said Manipula's permanent residency status in another country is "incompatible" with his statement in his COC that he is a resident of Concepcion.
"One cannot be resident of two countries at the same time," he said.
Moreover, Catolico stated that Manipula claimed in his media interviews that he is a member of the American Bar and is a practising lawyer which also proves that he is, indeed, a permanent resident alien of the US.
"Thus, he is disqualified from running for the position of member of Congress," the complainant said.
(January 14, 2004 issue)
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