Negros losing candidates file protests

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Citing fraud and defective SD (secure digital) cards, more losing candidates in two municipalities in Negros Occidental have filed electoral protests.

Board Member David Albert Lacson, who lost to EB Magalona Mayor-elect Marvin Malacon by almost 10,000 votes, cited the defective cards for filing his protest on May 24.

Malacon said his Asenso Tumandok slate won 10-0 against Lacson’s group during the May 13 elections. He garnered 20,093 votes against Lacson’s 10,270 votes.

Malacon’s running mate, incumbent Councilor Eric Matulac, also defeated his opponent, Hope Marey Depasucat, with a difference of 3,202 votes in the vice mayoral race.

He expressed confidence that Lacson’s protest would not prosper.

Meanwhile, in La Castellana town, losing mayoral candidate Felix Feria IV also sought a recount of votes.

Feria, who lost to Mayor-elect Rhumyla Mangilimutan, alleged that the election was marred with fraud, terrorism and illegal acts committed before, during and after the casting of votes.

Mangilimutan was proclaimed winner after garnering 17,822 votes. Feria got 13,987 votes.

“I leave it to the court to decide on the matter and they have all the right to question the result of the elections,” Mangilimutan said.

In Moises Padilla town, mayor-elect Ella Garcia-Yulo  asked the court to dismiss the election protest filed against her by Mayor Magdaleno Peña for lack of merit.

Peña sought a recount of votes in 40 clustered precincts. The town remains under Comelec control due to poll-related incidents.

In Isabela, Mayor Joselito Malabor, who was defeated by Irene Montilla by a margin of 48 votes, also sought a recount.

Outgoing Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., president of the United Negros Alliance wherein Lacson and Malabor are members, said an election protest is an exercise in futility and a waste of money.

“In the end, their protests will become moot and academic,” Marañon said.