Pacquiao wants rival disqualified

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao’s political party has sought the disqualification of businessman Roy Chiongbian, his rival for congressman of Sarangani, saying that he is not a resident of the province.

In a three-page petition, the People’s Champ Movement (PCM), represented by secretary-general Raul Martinez, said Chiongbian listed his residency at Purok 1, Kling Kiamba, Sarangani in his certificate of candidacy (COC) but actually lives on Rivera St., Lagao, General Santos City when in Socsargen.

The petition showed that Chiongbian's "legal residence" is 363 San Bartolome, Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City.

"Purok 1, Kling, Kiamba was used and abused for election purposes only. Respondent could hardly be seen thereat. There has been no conduct on the part of the respondent indicative of his intent to establish a domicile or residence at Purok 1, Kling Kiamba," part of the petition stated.

PCM noted that Chiongbian's business interests in Metro Manila justify the establishment of his permanent residence in Muntinlupa.

"There is no intention of changing his domicile to Kiamba as there is no intention of abandoning his residence at Muntinlupa City," PCM said.

Chiongbian was allegedly the executive vice president of Eastern International Plastic Packaging in Taguig City, Eastern Shipping Lines Inc. in Makati City, and Japri Container Terminal Inc. in Manila.

"The alleged residence indicated in respondent's COC was effected solely for the purpose of qualifying as candidate in the 2010 elections. Respondent made a material misrepresentation in his COC to make it appear that he met the residence requirement for the position he is running for," the petition added.