BENGUET congressional candidate and incumbent Vice Governor Ericson “Tagel” Felipe is facing a disqualification case before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) over the alleged use of government-issued vehicles during his campaign.
In his six-page petition for disqualification, petitioner Ralph Tan alleged that Felipe violated Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), particularly on the use of government vehicle for giving material consideration to influence, induce, or corrupt voters.
In the affidavit, the white vehicle marked “For Official Use Only” on the front passenger door regularly parked in front of Felipe's property in Baguio City was concealed by a magnetic signage bearing the phrase "Good Governance Benguet," rendered in the congressional candidate's signature color theme as candidate for congressman of the Lone District of Benguet.
The petition added the “For Official Use Only” marking is being deliberately concealed by magnetic signage bearing the phrase “Good Governance Benguet” as indicated by visible residue surrounding the affected area.
Aside from concealing the markings, it was also alleged that the vehicle's plate is being interchanged from time to time.
Section 68 of the OEC specifies that any candidate who, in an action or protest in which he is a party is declared by final decision of a competent court guilty of, or found by the Commission of having (a) given money or other material consideration to influence, induce or corrupt the voters or public officials performing electoral functions.
Based on the documents obtained by the petitioner, the vehicle is owned by the Provincial Government of Benguet as certified by the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), which issued a Property Acknowledgment Receipt to Felipe.
The petition also cited that the Supreme Court clarified that prior conviction is not necessary to sustain a petition for disqualification. It is sufficient that substantial evidence exists to support the violation.
The petitioner also prayed that Felipe’s certificate of candidacy be canceled and declared null and void for performing prohibited acts, and that the votes cast for him should be counted or treated as stray votes.
Felipe is running for congressman of the lone district of Benguet in the May 12 polls. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)