Comelec to rule on Makati poll protest

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to rule next week on a petition to declare null and void the election and proclamation of San Lorenzo, Makati barangay chairman over his alleged failure to sign his certificate of candidacy (COC).

In a two-page order dated Nov. 23, Comelec second division presiding commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer ordered respondent Ernesto Moya to answer the petition within three days upon receipt. The Comelec will issue its resolution after the lapse of the given period.

Amery Santiago, wife of defeated barangay chairman candidate Joshua John Santiago, filed an election protest before the Comelec, citing Moya’s failure to sign his COC.

“With (Moya’s) failure to sign his COC he is presumed to have never filed his COC nor appeared before a notary public, which is a requirement of the Comelec for every candidate to make his candidacy valid and legal,” Amery told The STAR in an interview.

John has filed an election protest before a Makati court asking for the nullification of Moya’s camp of cheating. A recount of the contested ballots is scheduled to start on Dec. 6.