SURIGAO CITY, Philippines – A political greenhorn on Siargao Island in Dapa, Surigao del Norte unseated an incumbent barangay captain through a time-tested method – the toss of a coin.
Newcomer Godofredo Sajol garnered 198 votes together with Barangay 8 captain Apple Tiu.
But rather than hold a run-off election, both Sajol and Tiu agreed to a toss coin to determine who between them should be the next village head.
The toss coin was witnessed by the town’s election officer Apolinario Asilo, residents of Barangay 8 and representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Commission on Elections.
Sajol won the coin toss, becoming the new chieftain of the populated but progressive Barangay 8 in the coastal town of Dapa.
The DILG and Comelec personnel stressed that tossing a coin in cases of a tie during elections is considered legal.
In another barangay, this time in Quezon City, the question as to who will be the next chairman will be answered by the drawing of lots.
Following the end of canvassing for Barangay Mariblo at past midnight yesterday, Oliver Algas and Jerome Taeza each got 511 votes.
Comelec lawyer Ronald Allan Sindo explained that the drawing of lots to determine the winner is prescribed under Comelec rules, specifically Section 71 of Resolution 9030.
“There’s a condition that allows such procedure so we just have to follow it,” Sindo said.
Sindo said the drawing of lots will be done on Saturday, or five days after the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Algas and Taeza are among the five candidates who vied for the position of barangay captain in Barangay Mariblo, the first congressional district of Quezon City which has a voting population of less than 2,000 people.
Sindo said the chairman of the board of canvassers will be the one to facilitate the drawing of lots to determine the winner on Saturday. – With Reinir Padua