Court junks petition vs. Guadalupe split

CEBU, Philippines - The plebiscite for the propose split of Barangay Guadalupe may be on its way to realization after the Regional Trial Court yesterday dismissed the injunction case filed by Labangon councilman Victor Buendia.

Lawyer Deolito Alvarez, counsel of the United Banawa Englis Association Incorporated (UBEA), said Judge Gabriel Ingles ordered the dismissal of the case because of Buendia’s failure to appear in two hearings.

“We are happy, and now we formally push through the plebiscite that will create a new barangay out of Guadalupe,” Alvarez said.

Buendia filed petition in court to stop the Commission on Elections from holding the plebiscite until the court rules to which barangay – Guadalupe or Labangon – Rosalina Village really belongs.

Buendia, a resident of Rosalina Village, argued earlier that his right of suffrage would be violated if he cannot participate in the plebiscite and the court would rule later that the village is indeed part of Guadalupe.

Buendia earlier presented evidence like his voter’s ID issued by the Comelec, community tax certificate issued by the city treasurer’s office and more papers issued by Labangon. 

The court said earlier, however, that these have little evidentiary value to establish that Rosalina Village is part of barangay Labangon since they are not determinations by the Cebu City Council.

UBEA President Crispin Villarin said the organization is happy with the court’s decision.

“Nalipay jud kaayo mi nga nahuman na ang among problema, di nami maglisud,” he said.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Buendia’s lawyer Julius Caesar Entice said they will be filing a motion for reconsideration on the court’s order.

Malacañang earlier released P1.5 million for the conduct of the plebiscite, but the May 10 elections have gotten in its way.   (FREEMAN NEWS)