Sulu mayor ousted with finality

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court upheld a decision invalidating a Sulu mayoralty candidate's Certificate of Candidacy for the May 2013 elections.

In its resolution dated June 2014, the high court dismissed Gamal Hayudini's appeal seeking to reverse a decision of the Commission on Elections saying he is not a resident of South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi, where he ran for the post of municipal mayor.

"The Court resolved to deny with finality the said motion for reconsideration as no substantial arguments were presented to warrant the reversal of the questioned decision," the Supreme Court resolution states, as quoted in a state news report.

Winning candidate Hayudini's candidacy certificate filed October 2012 was disqualified by the poll body's Second Division after it was challenged by Mustapha Omar, a political rival.

Hayudini sought reconsideration before the Comelec En Banc, which then denied the appeal. - Camille Diola