In an 18-page resolution, the Comelec’s first division annulled and set aside the May 21, 2001 proclamation of Vice Mayor Fernando Batul.
The case stemmed from the protest filed by his opponent, Lucilo Bayron, on May 30, 2001. Bayron complained that Batul cheated in the elections.
The Comelec ruled on contested and claimed ballots in which a summation of the findings showed that Batul had a total of 16,696 ballots while Bayron had 17,520.
Based on these results, the poll body said, "(It) is clear that Lucio Bayron won over Fernando Batul by a plurality of 824 votes. Bayron is therefore the duly elected vice mayor of Puerto Princesa City."