BOPK wants other del Mar declared a "nuisance bet"

CEBU, Philippines - Worried that another candidate with the same surname would ruin the chances of a bet of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña wants him declared as a nuisance candidate.

Osmeña described Jacinto del Mar, who also filed his certificate of candidacy for congressman of the North District, a ploy of their opponents.

BOPK is fielding Rachel ‘Cutie’ del Mar, daughter of incumbent Rep. Raul del Mar, who is not anymore eligible to seek reelection as he is on his third straight term.

Jacinto, 49, of barangay Capitol Site is the bet of the Philippine Green Republican Party (PGRP). He is a preacher.

He said that like any other candidate, he is also willing to serve their district.    Mayor Osmeña, however, believes that Jacinto is a work of their political rivals, who only want to stir up their slate.   

“Maldito gyud ang pikas ba, nangita gyud sila ug tinonto, sige lang, naanad na mi sa ilang estilo, pero kaya ni Raul na, they should have him disqualified,” Osmeña said.   

 The mayor said that he is no stranger to such kind of strategy since in the 2001 elections there was a certain Stephen Osmeña, who ran against him and then Mayor Alvin Garcia, who was seeking reelection.   

Congressman del Mar agrees with the mayor that Jacinto was asked to run for congress to confuse the voters in their district.   

He, however, gave him the benefit of the doubt as a legitimate candidate as of the moment, but added that he will look into the person.   

Del Mar made it clear that if Jacinto’s intention is to undermine the candidacy of his daughter, then he will definitely take measures.   

“Of course, we will take measures, but we will study it first what measures to take, we will look into it and decide accordingly,” del Mar said.   

City Election Officer Atty. Marchel Sarno clarified that a disqualification case should be filed within five days after the last day of filing of the COC.       

Sarno said that some grounds for disqualifications include inaccurate statement of the candidates, which materially affects his or her COC, and nuisance, among others.   

The city election officer added that the complaint will be submitted directly to Comelec Manila on or before December 6.   

But lawyer Salvador Solima, who recruited Jacinto to run for congress in the North District, cried foul on the impending move of BOPK leaders.   

Solima, who filed his COC for mayor, said that the congressman has no ground to ask for the disqualification of his party mate.   

Though he clarified that BOPK has the right to lodge a complaint, but Solima claimed that Jacinto has also a right to be voted upon.   

“Nganong mahadlok man sila nga igo ra man na magpapili, si Sonny bitaw ug si Georgia nga pulos magpapili pagka-mayor mga Osmeña man na, wala man lagi sila mag-away, ni-file ba gud sila ug tagsa-tagsa ka disqualification case,” Solima said.   

Solima disclosed that he recruited Jacinto to join their party, since according to him — the man is sincere and has the willingness to serve. — Elly Bolonos/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)