Poll protest vs Singson dismissed

VIGAN CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) dismissed the electoral protest filed against Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson by defeated gubernatorial bet Efren Rafanan.

The Comelec’s second division, composed of Commissioners Florentino Tuazon Jr., Manuel Barcelona Jr. and Mehol Sadain, junked Rafanan’s complaint due to his failure to comply with the requirements.

Singson welcomed the poll body’s decision, saying the recent gubernatorial election was fairly done, peaceful and honest.

Since he entered politics, Singson said he has not resorted to cheating and vote-buying as alleged by Rafanan, who lost by a huge margin to Singson.

Rafanan, a former provincial board member, was an erstwhile ally-turned-bitter enemy of Singson.

Singson hogged national headlines when he turned against his bosom buddy, former President Joseph Estrada, accusing him of receiving payola from jueteng lords and kickbacks from tobacco excise taxes.