Mayoralty bet seeks cousin's disqualification

CEBU, Philippines - Aspiring to replace his father as mayor of Pavia town in Iloilo, City Councilor Michael "Mike" Barrido Gorriceta has asked the Commission on Elections to disqualify his cousin, Michael "Mike" Jimena Gorriceta.

His cousin recently withdrew his Certificate of Candidacy from the mayoralty race, but Michael said the withdrawal is not enough because his cousin's name would still appear in the official ballot. It is important that Comelec issues an official disqualification order, he says, so that the votes intended for his cousin would reportedly go to him.

He also said that the scenario created by his cousin would create confusion among voters and was reportedly intended to sabotage his political plans.

"I am appealing to the Comelec to fast track their decision so that there will be no worries anymore," he said.

The Freeman tried but failed to get a statement from Gorriceta's cousin.

The Councilor is also running against Elmer Huvero of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA. —/JMO (FREEMAN)