Losing reelectionist barangay captain of Carreta to sue winner’s backers

The recently elected barangay officials are set to assume their posts by noontime today to start their three-year term but some of them, such as barangay captain-elect Eduardo Lauron Sr. of Carreta, may be busy soon parrying charges filed against them by losing candidates over allegations of electoral fraud.

In the case of Lauron, the reelectionist he defeated by about 500 votes, Marciano Ando, has vowed to sue next week some supporters of Lauron while showing some evidence to support his charges.

Ando said he had already gathered evidence to support the filing of criminal charges in court against some Lauron supporters allegedly engaged in vote-buying during the last synchronized barangay and SK elections.

Ando showed some photographs of people he identified as Lauron’s supporters who were distributing sample ballots, which reportedly came with a P500 bill.

The outgoing barangay captain refused however to name the people he would be suing in court for alleged electioneering but he said he has many supporters who are willing to sign affidavits affirming the distribution of money enclosed in sample ballots.

“Aw depende na sa court ang pag-decide. Basta mopasaka gyod ko og kaso sa korte basin karong sunod semana,” said Ando.

Lauron had already denied he engaged in vote-buying, and that a druglord supported his candidady.

A similar development may take place in barangay Lorega-San Miguel. Barangay captain Fortunato Parawan who lost to his first councilman - Lorenzo Monsanto - also filed an electoral protest before the Municipal Trial Court in Cities. – Rene U. Borromeo/RAE