HRET affirms Lucy's Leyte poll win

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) has affirmed the victory of Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez as representative of the fourth district of Leyte as it denied the motion for reconsideration filed by her rival, Eufrocino Codilla Jr.

Codilla questioned the earlier decision of the HRET, claiming Torres-Gomez’s votes should have been declared as stray and that her substitution for her husband Richard Gomez was void.

The HRET, however, said Codilla’s election protest, which was premised on the invalidity of Torres-Gomez’s substitution, is not allowed under present election laws and jurisprudence. 

The HRET earlier upheld Torres-Gomez’s eligibility as a candidate for the position when it dismissed the quo warranto case filed by Silverio Tagolino. In the decision, Torres-Gomez was also declared a qualified candidate, being a resident of the fourth district of Leyte.

Alex Avisado, counsel of Torres-Gomez, said the HRET resolution also settled the validity of her substitution for her husband.