Election protest hearing resumes

CEBU, Philippines – The hearing of the election protest filed by defeated mayoralty candidate Lakambini Reluya continued yesterday with two witnesses telling the court of alleged irregularities in San Fernando during the May 10 elections. 

The prosecution presented Elvira Rita and Raul Sabaytan, supporters of Reluya.

Rita told the court she decided to testify because she wants Reluya to win back as mayor of San Fernando. She reportedly saw alleged "irregularities" and "malicious acts" during the conduct of the first ever automated polls, however, she did not report the same to Reluya nor to the police on the day of the election itself.

Rita also did not specify the acts, a testimony that defense lawyer Democrito Barcenas described as irrelevant.

For his part, Sabaytan said he witnessed alleged irregularities at precinct 10E when the person in charge thereat gave priority numbers, but only to those he knew.

The previous hearing of the case was cancelled due to a technicality after Reluya's camp failed to comply with the rules of court. (FREEMAN)