Comelec allows two Singcos to run for mayor in Ginatilan

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Elections has allowed two mayoralty candidates with the family name Singco in Ginatilan, Cebu.

The Comelec Second Division dismissed the petition for disqualification filed by incumbent Mayor Dean Michael Singco against a certain Patrocinio Singco.

The Mayor asked the poll body to declare Patrocinio as nuisance candidate.

But the Comelec, in its Resolution dated January 16, 2013, dismissed the petition and allowed Patrocinio’s candidacy.

Dean alleged that Patrocinio filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor of Ginatilan only to put the election process in mockery and to cause confusion among the voters as they have the same surname.

Dean Michael claimed that Patrocinio has no gainful occupation since the latter returned to Ginatilan, running as independent candidate and no financial capacity to run a campaign.

However, the Comelec is of the opinion that Dean failed to submit substantial evidence to support his claim and failed to establish his burden of proof.

It said that respondent’s lack of gainful employment, if true, or lack of business interest or property are not determinative of his lack of bona fide intent to run for mayor.

It also noted that individuals with the same surname or even from the same family often run against each other, hence, having the same surname as another rival candidate does not, by itself, make one a nuisance candidate. —/FPL (FREEMAN)