2 City Hall officials face raps for brgy poll “interference”

CEBU, Philippines - For alleged interference in the last barangay elections, two Cebu City officials are facing administrative and criminal complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

At least 20 complainants from Barangay Calamba, Cebu City have filed the complaints against former city councilor Joey Daluz and Ester Concha, the head of the Department of Social Welfare and Services.

Daluz, currently the Cebu City executive assistant for barangay affairs on  infrastructures and the chairman of the Cebu City School Board, and Concha are accused of violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for public officials and employees and the Omnibus Election Code.

The complainants stated in their joint affidavits that on or about 4:00 p.m. of October 28, 2013, Daluz and Concha entered polling precincts no. 1315B, 1336B and 879 in the said barangay.

"They entered these polling centers without authority and not as watchers and not even as voters of these precincts," the complaint reads.

The complainants, aside from filing of the criminal and administrative complaints, they also prayed for the urgent issuance of preventive suspension against Daluz and Concha.

They added that these alleged illegal acts of Daluz and Concha were covered by a television network as well as poll watchers and voters who took video footages of them.

"I reserve my comments after I receive and read the complaint. But let me say first that surely the complaint is unfounded," said Daluz in a text message to The FREEMAN.

But Daluz said that it is his right to enter the polling precincts during the election day as he is a registered voter in the said barangay.

"That's true. But many entered the precinct. Why is it not allowed for me? The election laws has enumerated persons not allowed to enter polling places and definitely I am not one of them," Daluz said.

Concha, for her part said she will face the complaint in due time.

"Ila na rights. Tubagon lang nato puhon," she said.

The complainants who signed the complaints are Alex Lavistre, Amelita Ruiz, Alejandira Quitara, Vanessa Lumuntad, Ma. Victoria Maloloy-on, Donald Catong, Leonede Planas, Orlan Rodrigo, Lester Alemencion and Rebecca Reyes.

While those complainants who did not sign the complaint are Roberto Amodia, Strella Morre, Lucena Bitos, Estrella Dacles, Jeffrey Emeterio, Mary Grace gonzalez, Marissa Rondero, Mary Jean Rullon and Jessica Reyes.— (FREEMAN)