Malonzo asks Comelec to declare poll failure

Malonzo, represented by the Roque and Butuyan Law Offices, also sought the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order (TRO) as the continuation of the canvassing meant injustice to him.

In the 15-page petition, Malonzo said that "through various machinations including fraud, violence and various forms of deceit, the people (of Caloocan) have been deprived of the power to choose their rightful leaders."

He said the Comelec must declare a failure of election in the first district of Caloocan, whose representation he is seeking, because first, a massive, calculated and systematic effort was underway even before the elections to confuse and silence the voters.

He said a "well-organized, well funded dirty tricks campaign" was launched by his opponents and upset his chances at getting elected even by his longtime supporters.

Secondly, massive fraud were allegedly committed by his opponents "enough to alter the results of the election."

Malonzo cited the alleged disenfranchisement of voters, mostly his supporters, on the day of the elections and in the succeeding days.

Meanwhile, former vice mayor Oscar Malapitan, Malonzo’s former protégé who leads the congressional race in the first district, denied any involvement in any of the allegations thrown by his former ally.

"Malonzo must know that I am not in any position to commit massive cheating as he alleges mainly because I have no resources to speak of nor the heart to do it," Malapitan said.

"Apparently, they have been rejected by the people because of the irregularities and the mismanagement they have suffered in his administration," Malapitan added.

In a related development, Malonzo’s party mate and second district congressional seat aspirant Benedicto Gonzales conceded yesterday.

"Let’s give the new officials a chance," he told The STAR. – Jerry Botial, Pete Laude