Comelec disqualifies Dy’s lone rival in Isabela governor race

ILAGAN, ISABELA — With 10 more days before the elections, the outcome of the gubernatorial race here is already decided in favor of the powerful Dy clan.

This after the Commission on Elections, in a five-page resolution dated April 24, disqualified former mayor Manuel Siquian for being a "nuisance" candidate, thus leaving Rep. Faustino Dy Jr. virtually unopposed.

Based on the complaint of one Constante Foronda Jr., a registered voter of Cauayan City, the poll body’s first division, chaired by Commissioner Rufino Javier, ruled that Siquian failed to wage a serious campaign, being a "literally one-man band."

Siquian, a former three-term mayor of Angadanan town, the Comelec said, failed to prove his financial capability to support a province-wide campaign.

The candidacy of Siquian, a perennial rival of the Dys, was reportedly supported by the Bileg party of Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson, a former close friend of the Dy family.

Dy is running under the Nationalist People’s Coalition-Lakas-NUCD, along with his three brothers, Faustino "Boji" Dy III, third-term mayor of Cauayan City, who is now running for congressman of Isabela’s third district; Cezar Dy for mayor of Cauayan City; and Paul Dy for mayor of Alicia town.

During the last elections, Siquian failed to make a good showing when he vied against incumbent Gov. Benjamin Dy, a third-termer and brother of Faustino Jr. According to records, Siquian did not get even one-third of the votes.

The Dys have dominated Isabela politics since the early 1960s, beginning with their late father, Faustino Dy Sr., who served as governor for 25 years.

Earlier, rumors had circulated that Siquian asked P50 million from the Dys in exchange for his withdrawal from the race. The offer, later lowered to P5 million, was allegedly relayed to the Dys by former Quirino governor Josie Castillo-Co.

Siquian earlier accused his rival of facing a pending case of insurance fraud in the United States and called for his disqualification.

The Dys, in turn, accused Siquian of facing several criminal cases when he was still mayor of Angadanan. The charges reportedly included 16 counts of malversation of public funds and falsification of public documents, for which he served time at the National Penitentiary until he was pardoned.