GINGOOG City Vice-Mayor-elect Peter Unabia said Thursday, June 27, that his legal team has already filed a motion for reconsideration after the poll body ruled to cancel his candidacy over the issue on residence.
In his motion for reconsideration, Unabia maintained that he is a legitimate residence of Gingoog City since 17 months before the election and he has documents to prove his claims.
"Tinuod nga naay (it's true there is a) cancellation of my certificate of candidacy but two weeks ago, naka-file na ta og MR ug naka state didto nga legitimate ta nga nakarehistro sa Gingoog (We filed a motion for reconsideration stating that I am registered in Gingoog). In fact, gidawat sa Comelec Gingoog akong COC (the Commission on Elections in Gingoog accepted my certificate of candidacy)," he said.
Unabia said the recent Comelec ruling cannot prevent him from assuming the vice-mayoral post.
"Such resolution did not attain finality because we have timely filed a motion for reconsideration. In fact, we intend to exhaust all legal remedies available in the proper courts of law should our motion be denied," part of the statement released by the legal counsel of Unabia, lawyer Dale Mordeno, read.
Unabia said until the Comelec decides, he will continue to deliver the mandate of the people and bring the best public service.
He said the people have spoken with the result of the election and his plans for the city are already in place.
Unabia won by 7,055 votes against his rival Marie Guingona.
"It is just unfortunate that the political adversaries of Cong. Unabia stop at nothing to rob him off, to deprive him the position upon which he was conferred a sovereign mandate. We can only hope for them to see the light of day and succumb to humility. In elections, there can only be one victor. The people have spoken," the statement said.