Gatchalian files raps vs Valenzuela poll officer

MANILA, Philippines - Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday said he had nothing personal against the city’s poll officer even as he filed a formal complaint seeking the suspension or relief of the latter before the Commission on Elections-National Capital Region (Comelec-NCR) office.

Gatchalian charged Lope Gayo Jr. for alleged drunk driving, disorderly conduct and for maligning his reputation by accusing him of cheating in the 2007 polls.

Gatchalian said he feels that as city election registrar, Gayo should be impartial and refrain from meddling in local politics.

“As a future candidate (for mayor), I want to be treated fairly. I assure you, I have nothing personal against Gayo. I don’t even know him personally. So I don’t know why he should be saying all these things,” he said.

Comelec-NCR director Michael Dioneda confirmed that Gatchalian has filed the case.

Gayo’s staff, however, said he was a good man and could not have done what the mayor alleged in his complaint.

Annie Galang, election assistant, said Gayo was out of the office but promised to have him call The STAR as soon as he can.

She said Gayo was not drunk, but was “problematic” when he made the accusation because his father had just died after being bedridden from brain cancer.

The two-page complaint affidavit was addressed to Comelec chairman Jose Melo and signed by Gatchalian. – Jerry Botial