2 defeated candidates file election protests

CEBU, Philippines — Two losing candidates for barangay councilperson posts in Dumaguete have reportedly filed their respective election protest before the Municipal Trial Court for Cities (MTCC) Branch 1 at the Hall of Justice.

City Election Officer Gildu Agoncillo confirmed that he was already directed to secure the ballot boxes in Barangays Taclobo and Looc for a possible recounting of votes.

This came after incumbent Taclobo Councilwoman Jocelyn Ombos lost to comebacking Councilman Enrique Oira in the recent elections, by only two votes.

The other protester, Looc Barangay Councilwoman Ana Maria Larena, who placed number 8, also filed an election protest against the no. 7 elected Councilwoman Sheila Mae Catada, by only one vote.

Reelected Barangay Chairperson Angelita Ragay Larena is hoping her vote may have been counted to another candidate who also has a surname of Larena.

Under Comelec rules, the candidate who filed the election protest is required to deposit P25,000 or more to the court to defray expenses during the revision process, Agoncillo said.

The protest will be decided 30 days after it is submitted for decision, but in no case shall the period exceeds six months from the filing of the case in court, he added.  (FREEMAN)