Comelec en banc: Pe not valid bet

CEBU, Philippines - First he failed in his bid to represent the south district at the Cebu City Council in the May 13 election.

Now north district Councilor Augustus “Jun” Pe suffered another setback as his candidacy has been nullified by the Commissions on Election.

The Comelec en banc denied Pe’s motion for reconsideration on the earlier ruling cancelling his certificate of candidacy (COC).

However, the recent decision by the en banc is already moot and academic since Pe, of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan, lost in the election.

On February 1, the Comelec First Division cancelled Pe’s COC due to his failure to establish a residency in the south district.

In a May 9 resolution, the en banc ruled that Pe should not be allowed to run for councilor in the south district being an incumbent councilor in the north district.

“Anent the issue on residency, we maintain the findings of the First Division that respondent failed to present a clear and positive proof that he abandoned his former residence and acquire a new one in the 2nd District of Cebu City,” the five-page resolution said.

The ruling also said the certification issued by Guadalupe barangay captain Michael Gacasan could not substitute the requirement of actual and physical residence.

Had Pe won in the election, BOPK chairman and Representative Tomas Osmeña said they would definitely elevate their motion to the Supreme Court.

“Of course because residency, not term limit, was the issue. I personally can attest that Pe was and still is a resident in my barangay (Guadalupe),” Osmeña told The FREEMAN.

Team Rama legal counsel Joy Pesquera said they are “very happy” with the decision of the Comelec en banc.

The FREEMAN sent a text message to Pe for his comment, but got no reply from the councilor. — /LPM (FREEMAN)