Emano recall plea has fake signatures

CAGAYAN DE ORO ,Philippines  – A recall petition signature drive against Mayor Vicente Emano has been stopped after more than 15,000 of the 53,000 signatories were found to be fake.

Tito Mora, chairperson of “Save CDO Now,” the group behind the signature campaign, yesterday said the signatures did not match the online database of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). 

Mora said some of the fake signatures were almost similar.

Under Comelec rules, a verified signature must have a complete name, address, voting precinct and signed by the registered voter during the 2010 elections. 

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that we were not able to gather the required 45,000 signatures as of March 2,” a statement of the group read by Save CDO Now co-convenor James Judith said.

“Although we have raised the amount needed and the commitment to file the petition, we have deemed it prudent not to spend any more than we have to on signature sheets, which on its face will be rejected by Comelec,” the statement added. 

“It’s evident that there are people who have sabotaged the signature campaign,” said Judith.

Judith noted that some allies and supporters of Emano were among those who signed the recall petition.

“These people probably want change. We also know of one relative of his (Emano) who signed the form,” he said.

Despite this development, Judith said their group will continue to support all judicial and administrative measures to remove Emano and to “make him and others account for their crime against our city and people.”