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[ News ] [ Official list of winners for Cebu City barangay chief, SK ] [ Keywords ] Cebu City's voter turnout hits 65% CEBU -- As expected, more people went out to vote in the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections last July 15 than in the previous polls. A statistical report prepared by the Cebu City Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the barangay elections shows that 68 percent of the total number of registered voters for the south district voted, while it's 63 percent for the north. The figure is higher than the past two barangay elections and even the local and congressional elections in May last year. Cebu City has 197,816 registered voters in the south district and 179,861 in the north. Only 49 percent of the total number of registered voters in Cebu City voted in 1994, while 63 percent voted in the south district, and 60 percent in the north district for the 1997 polls. The turnout in last year's elections was only 63 percent for the south and 66 for the north. Court of Appeals Associate Justice Regalado Maambong, a former Comelec commissioner, had expected more voters for the synchronized barangay and SK elections because of the growing importance of the barangay in governance. More people also ran in the last elections because there were more available resources and the posts offer bigger pay, he said. In Cebu City, the chairman of a big barangay gets an honorarium of P12,000 per month, while his colleague handling a small barangay receives P3,000 to P4,000. The participation of political parties in what was supposed to be a non-partisan exercise was also seen as another factor. The City Comelec office is still consolidating the turnout for the SK. The statistical report also shows that there was a higher turnout of voters in the mountain barangays and in areas where there were intense political rivalries. In Suba, the turnout was 73 percent; in Punta Princesa, 55 percent; in Hipodromo, 75 percent; and in Pahina Central, 61 percent. In the urban areas, the figure is 47 to 77 percent in the south and 50 to 75 percent in the north. In the mountain barangays, the turnout was 67 to 83 percent in the south and 68 to 89 percent in the north. Sirao has the highest turnout of voters at 1,675. The barangay with the lowest voter turnout is Guadalupe (47 percent). Guadalupe is the City's biggest barangay with 24,998 registered voters. (07-28-02, Sun.Star Cebu) Andales seeks COA inventory of barangay assets CEBU -- Barangay officials who will relinquish their posts by Aug. 15 need to account for the barangay's properties to clear them of any liability for losses. With reports that some barangay-owned properties are missing, Pahina Central Barangay Chief-elect Sisinio Andales requested Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña to direct the Commission on Audit (COA) to make the inventory immediately. But Association of Barangay Councils president Jose Navarro said an inventory is expected before newly elected officials assume office. The barangay treasurer, who under the Local Government Code keeps custody of barangay funds and property, should facilitate the inventory. COA, in its report for 2001, noted that barangay treasurers committed lapses in keeping track of the barangays' fixed assets, exposing government-owned properties to misuse or loss. These include their failure to issue memorandum receipts (MRs), conduct a yearly physical inventory of fixed assets and record in barangay books of accounts all donated materials and equipment. The state auditors advised barangay officials to require all end-users to sign MRs on every equipment unit issued, and for the barangay treasurer to keep "semi-expendable" supplies received and filed. Doubtful COA also noted that barangay officials of Duljo-Fatima, Mabolo, Banilad, San Roque and Carreta failed to conduct the yearly physical inventory, in violation of the Barangay Accounting Manual, rendering the existence and valuation of fixed assets worth P13 million "doubtful." In Duljo-Fatima, for instance, they pointed that a computer unit costing P31,000 should not be brought to the "accountable officer's residence since government property should only be used for public purpose." Moreover, the audit report stated that the barangay treasurer of Basak San Nicolas failed to apply for the disposal of unserviceable properties and supplies with an estimated cost of P513,300, "thereby overstating the inventory and fixed asset accounts." (07-28-02, Sun.Star Cebu) Proxy battle shifts to election for ABC CEBU -- All the incumbent officials of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) allied with the opposition camp will seek reelection in September. ABC president Jose Navarro Friday said Manuel Guanzon (Capitol Site) will seek another term as executive vice president, Reynaldo Llorente (Hipodromo), first vice president; and Victoriano Go (Pahina San Nicolas), third vice president. Rodigilio Arinasa (San Jose) will still seek the position of treasurer; Noel Wenceslao (Sambag 2), auditor; and Ana Tabal (Tagbao), board member. Navarro said their group will need to look for candidates for only three positions. These are for second vice president and board member, whose posts will be vacated by Nicasio Jaca (Suba) and Jessie Jayme (Sudlon 2), who were not reelected last July 15. The other post is for secretary, which is currently held by Eduardo Sevilla (Calamba) who is with the BO-PK. The fight for the ABC presidency will be Navarro against Guadalupe Barangay Captain Eugenio Faelnar Jr. of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK). For executive vice president, the second highest position in ABC, the race is between Guanzon and Pahina Central Barangay Captain Sisinio Andales. Only four from the BO-PK so far, have expressed interest to run for the other positions up for grabs in the ABC. After surviving a close race against BO-PK's Rodulfo Diorico in the barangay elections last July 15, Navarro now finds himself in a "tougher" fight for the ABC presidency. "Mao ni ang labing lisod nga kampanya kay puros amigo, puros tando. So di ka kasiguro," Navarro told Sun.Star. (This is a difficult campaign because all are my friends, so they would just say yes. But I can't be sure.) Mayor Tomas Osmeña has endorsed Faelnar for the post and warned that anyone from BO-PK who will also vie for the post will automatically be kicked out from the group. The announcement is to solidify BO-PK votes. But Navarro is confident that his colleagues would still vote him in the ABC elections in September because he has a track record to show them. "In the past, the ABC didn't accomplish anything because they were elected by the mayor. Mura ta'g mga sakada ana, unya ang mayor mag-appoint lang ug administrator. I still believe the barangay captains have a mind of their own," Navarro said. On the BO-PK's side, Nemesio Pagador (Luz), Fortunato Parawan (Lorega San Miguel), Michael Ocleasa (Day-as) and Licerio Jaca (Inayawan) so far have expressed interest to run for the other positions in the ABC. When former mayor Alvin Garcia invited village chiefs for dinner at White Gold House last Thursday night, Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) had counted only 36 allies compared to BO-PK's 54. In an interview with reporters, Garcia said he believes the captains would still choose Navarro, who is an accountant over Faelnar, who is a college dropout. Faelnar, who is in Dapitan, cannot be reached for comment. But Councilor Gerardo Carillo told Sun.Star that BO-PK is looking for candidates with the capacity to lead. "We don't need brilliant minds but those who will work and lead the group," Carillo said. As to Faelnar's educational qualification, Carillo retorted: "Tan-awa lang asa ang mas-progressive nga barangay. Punta Princesa or Guadalupe?" (Look, which the more progressive barangay, Punta Princesa or Guadalupe?) Navarro said has been captain for a longer time but Faelnar has done more considering that Guadalupe is the biggest barangay in the city, Carillo said. "He (Faelnar) has demonstrated good leadership, which is important when dealing with barangay captains," the councilor added. (07-27-02, Sun.Star Cebu) No
poll protests in Benguet BAGUIO -- No protests have been received by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) so far on the results of the synchronized barangay and youth elections in Benguet. This resulted even after only 10 Benguet towns have submitted their canvas of results to the office of Julius Torres, Comelec election supervisor for Baguio and Benguet. But in Baguio, Torres said protests were received from two barangay election losers, not because of the results of the polls, but due to some alleged irregularities in the conduct of the campaign prior to the political exercise. These alleged anomalies were reported to have been made in the barangays of Malcolm Square and Baguio General Hospital Compound. In the barangay elections, Torres estimated that the voters' turnout reached only 58.28 percent, while that in the SK elections was 60.71 percent. "But these figures are deceiving because just as we have an average of 200 voters registered in each precinct, there are only a few registered SK voters." He added that since the results from Benguet was only partial, they cannot give a correct figure yet of the voters' turnout there. He said that aside from the results in Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Sablan and Tuba, which were already reported earlier, only Buguias and Kibungan have submitted their canvas of results earlier this week. Although no electoral protests have been reported to have been submitted by any of the losing candidates in the towns of La Trinidad, Mankayan and Tublay, they still have to submit their canvas of results. "It is understandable if the results from Mankayan did not yet arrive because of the distance of that place from here. No problems were also reported in Tublay. However, I am wondering why the results from La Trinidad have not yet been submitted to us when their town is just adjoining the city," Torres pointed out. In Buguias, the winning barangay chiefs are Agustin Dacus in Abatan, Melio Andiso in Amgaleyguey, Ernesto Quindipan in Amlimay, Roberto Camilo in Baculongan Norte, Elisie Dulinen in Baculongan Sur, Rogelio Bolinto in Bangao, Esteban Sabiano in Buyacaoan, Pablo Babab in Calamagan, Dione Baucas in Catlubong, Simon Macario in Lengaoan, Delino Dampilag Sr. in Loo, Joseph Misa in Natubleng, Francis Wilson in Poblacion and Marcelo Carlos in Sebang. In Kibungan, the elected barangay chiefs are Bestre Domes in Badeo, Arturo Collado in Lubo, Jerry Tanas in Madaymen, Colbert Abiasen in Palina, Mensi Pisando in Poblacion, Henry Dayao in Sagpat and Teodoro Danglay in Tacadang. (07-27-02, Sun.Star Baguio) 'Focus on 1 problem each': Tomas tells brys CEBU -- With more barangay captains on his side now, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he can already implement the "master of one concept" which he first thought of doing in 1992. Under the concept, each barangay captain will be asked to choose one area of specialization, with the Cebu City Government giving them the necessary support. Thus, they may come up with projects on beautification, education, garbage collection, traffic management or youth, among others. The choice also does not have to be in answer to the most pressing problem in the barangay as the mayor said City Hall is also willing to "fill in the gaps" on this aspect. "Barangay captains are like Jack of all trades and master of none... So for now, I will just have to encourage them to master one field and be outstanding in it," Osmeña told a press conference yesterday. Before last Monday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, when Osmeña had only 19 allied barangay captains, City Hall coursed the delivery of services to the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan ward leaders in the barangay. Things may be different now, after many BO-PK supported candidates won in the elections. Some Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) captains have also started to reconcile with the mayor. As of his last count, Osmeña said over 50 of the 80 barangay captains are now with BO-PK. He told reporters yesterday that he is looking for "jewels." If some of them excel in their chosen field, they could provide the model for other barangays, as he stressed that the best teacher for the barangay captain is another barangay captain. The mayor said he will sit down with each barangay captain to discuss where he or she intends to focus. He will give them time and allow them to create clusters if they want to as he expects at least five officials to focus on garbage collection. According to Osmeña, he will encourage the village chiefs to make as much innovations as they could in the delivery of basic services. "I will not behave like a DILG and issue different memos. Master one. That's the only instruction I will give," Osmeña said. (07-24-02, Sun.Star Cebu) DILG
urges new execs to serve brys. well DUMAGUETE -- The Department of Interior and Local Governments here called on the newly elected and reelected barangay officials to keep their campaign promise to serve their barangays. Lilibeth Famacion, city interior and local government operations officer, issued the call as the 30 barangay chiefs and 210 councilmen who took their oath of office at 3 p.m. at the Public Market Auditorium on Tuesday, July 23. "Ipanghinaut nato nga magtinarong sila ug matuman ang pangandoy sa ilang gisaad pagsilbe sa barangay," Famacion told Sun.Star. The DILG officer hopes the newly elected and re-elected officials will attend to their responsibilities seriously, not only in attending meetings but also in delivering the basic services to their people. The new set of Sangguniang Kabataan officials, on the other hand, will have to wait until August 15 before they can take their oath of office. As of the moment, Famacion said, her office is awaiting guidelines from the DILG central office and the National Youth Commission on how to fill in the vacant SK council seats. (07-23-02, Sun.Star Dumaguete) One more defects to BO-PK; Tomas accepts Yodi CEBU -- The Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) lost another barangay captain to the administration when pro-recall Zapatera Barangay Chief Francisco Benedicto Monday took his oath of office before Mayor Tomas Osmeña. While barangay chiefs William Balaga of Pari-an and Jerome Lim of Sta. Cruz brought their councilors to Osmeña for the oath-taking, they claimed it was only for the sake of reconciliation and no talks about partisanship. Balaga refused to say if he's still with Kusug or otherwise, while Lim told reporters he is still allied with Kusug. Mayor Osmeña, meanwhile, announced he is accepting Busay's Eliodoro "Yodi" Sanchez to his administration. "People said I should have a change of heart. After all we are Christians. But not Joe Navarro because he is dangerous. He is clearly a mercenary," he said. Navarro, who is Association of Barangay Councils president, said he doesn't mind if Osmeña won't reconcile with him. "Bisan og ako na lang usa. Akong prinsipyo dili nako i-compromise," he said yesterday. (I don't care if I'm the only one left. I'm not going to compromise my principle.) With Benedicto's defection, the number of Kusug village chiefs who shifted their allegiance to BO-PK now totals five. Getting more than the majority of village chiefs is imperative for the BO-PK after 54 out of 80 of them signed last July 6 a recall petition against Mayor Osmeña. Last week, Romeo Ocarol of Pasil, Rustica Asid of Buhisan, Nenita Bacus of Pamutan and Leto Fajardo of Tejero confirmed their defection to BO-PK, citing easy access to projects and financial assistance from City Hall as their reasons. Sought for his view on the defections, Osmeña said, "Well, we always pretend we love each other. It's okay. Humana man. The people have spoken. Whether I like it or not I have to go along." In a talk with reporters outside Osmeña's office after his oath-taking, Benedicto told reporters he just went to the mayor "for the sake of reconciliation." "We wanted to test the waters kung modagayday ba gyud ang kaayohan. I'm still with Kusug," he said. Asked if he has made it clear to Osmeña that they are not defecting to BO-PK, Benedicto replied, "Wa man sab siya mangutana nako. He did not give any conditions." (He didn't ask.) "I don't think Alvin would get mad because I'm still Kusug," he added. Later, during his press conference, the mayor said it's up to Benedicto if he only came for the sake of reconciliation. "That's fine with me. I won in his barangay anyway," Osmeña said. At 1:50 p.m., talks reached the City Hall media center that Benedicto recanted his statements. Sun.Star called up Benedicto to clarify his statements but he said he was "only misquoted by the reporter who sought the mayor's comment." Told he was not misquoted and reminded of his exact words in front of City Hall reporters that morning, Benedicto laughed and said, "It's up to you to understand. My going up there is already a sign that I'm with BO-PK." When Sun.Star pressed for a more explicit statement, saying reporters need to take down what is said and not what they assume is meant, he said, "Nakatando ra man ko sa inyong pangutana." Apart from Balaga, Lim and Benedicto, Tejero Barangay Chief Leto Fajardo, who earlier shifted allegiance to BO-PK, also took his oath of office with six of his councilors. Only Barangay Councilor-elect Claudio Batas, who reportedly said he could not afford to leave Kusug, did not join the oath-taking. Osmeña also swore into office BO-PK allies Joel Sable of Suba and his councilors, and Jerry Guardo of Barangay Sambag I and councilors. Meanwhile, Balaga said the members of the Pari-an Barangay Council decided to reconcile with Osmeña "because we believe he is a good mayor and we respect his offer to reconcile." Navarro, who led 399 barangay officials in a move to recall the mayor, refused to comment on the defection of Kusug-allied barangay captains to BO-PK. However, he disagreed with some who said they defected to get their barangay projects implemented. Navarro, who has been Barangay Punta Princesa head for 30 years, said most of his projects were implemented without a cent from City Hall. "Nakat-on ko og self-reliance. Pila ra ma'y project nga makuha sa City Hall?" he pointed out. Navarro also refused to reveal any details about Kusug's plan for their oath-taking since Kusug head and former mayor Alvin Garcia will arrive from Hawaii tomorrow yet. However, Labangon Barangay Chief-elect Felix Abella, who almost lost his reelection bid to a BO-PK bet, yesterday took oath before Judge Pampio Abarintos, whose son, Andrew, also got a seat in Tisa's barangay council and is probably the youngest barangay councilor in the city. (07-23-02, Sun.star Cebu) Polls
to resume Sunday for flooded brys, says Comelec MANILA -- Barangay and Sangunihang Kabataan (SK) special elections for some 531 barangays in the Luzon area have been reset this coming Sunday, July 28, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Monday said. Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said the Comelec en banc have already decided to hold the special elections on Sunday for the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Abra, Bulacan, Bataan, and La Union. High floods due to typhoon Gloria and Hambalos forced the Comelec to postpone the polls in a number of barangays in these provinces. The Comelec said postponing the elections in 572 barangays, including those coming from Metro Manila, was the biggest suspension approved by the Commission by far. Although the Comelec approved the special elections for these barangays in Luzon, Abalos said they are still awaiting the assessment of the Philippine National police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in some barangays in Mindanao, where failure of elections has been declared due to the peace and order situation. "We cannot set the schedule for these areas, mostly in Mindanao, where violence forced the failure of elections. Until the authorities say that it's all clear, then we will schedule the elections," Abalos said. Under the Omnibus Election Code, the Comelec must reset the schedule of all postponed elections within 30 days of the suspension. Abalos said they have already given instructions for the local election officers to prepare for Sunday's synchronized polls. Abalos said they expect to experience the same glitches they had in the recent two electoral process, mostly related to the voters' list. "We expect complaints to surface again about missing names or of flying voters, but we assure that these problems would disappear come 2004," Abalos said. (07-23-02, Sunnex) Retired priest among poll winners in Mt. Province BONTOC -- A number of government retirees, including a retired Anglican priest-turned-neophyte politician, won in last week's synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. Three women from the Igorot tribe also came out victorious in their first political fight. Beginners' luck went to six government retirees who were elected as barangay chiefs, including Bauko district supervisor Valentin Cameyeng of Bila, Bauko; public school teacher Napoleon Manalay of Saliok, Natonin; Comelec employee Feliciano Liclic of Lagan, Sabangan, provincial assessor Herman Lusad of Poblacion, Bontoc; municipal employee Merriam Falag-ey of Bontoc Ili, PNP officer Donato Begalan of Payeo, Besao and Fr. George Tamkin of Patay-Poblacion, Sagada. Aside from Falag-ey, two other plain housewives, Lourdes Antonio of Caluttit, Bontoc and Josephine Forang-ey of Sacasacan, Sadanga, also easily won over their male political opponents. Four erstwhile local officials, who used to occupy higher elective positions in the different towns of Mt. Province, failed to get the top barangay post. These included former provincial board member and one-time mayor of Sagada Lawrente Wadingan, candidate for punong barangay of Angkeleng, Sagada who lost to his nephew Jaime Dugao alias Tigan-o; former Barlig mayor Alloysius Matib of Gawana-Poblacion; former Bontoc vice mayor Moses Comaad of Tocucan and former Tadian vice mayor Evelyn Taclobao of Sumadel. Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections and the Mt. Province police said the recently-concluded political exercise was the "most peaceful and orderly ever conducted in this part of the region," adding that no untoward incident or election-related violence was committed before, during and after the July 15 polls as compared to past elections marred by violence and various irregularities. (07-22-02, Sun.Star Baguio) Bet
wins seat through toss coin GENERAL SANTOS -- The toss coin formula solved the deadlock between two candidates who were tied for the seventh and last seat in the barangay council in Upper Labay. City election officer Abraham Nilong said Baguit Balunto won over Gabriel Gadiale through the flip of a coin and ended the question on who will take the last barangay council seat. Both Balunto and Gadiale garnered 277 votes during the July 15 barangay elections. Rosalinda Olasiman, chair of the board of canvassers in Upper Labay, ruled to break the tie through toss coin. Actually, it was not only Gadiale and Balunto who got the same number of votes. Four other candidates in the said barangay also garnered the same number of votes. To determine their rankings, the same formula was used by the board of canvassers. Nemesio Balunto won the coin flip over Fred Sago to earn the No. 3 ranking. The two each got 344 votes. Menahwile, Wilfredo Dema-ala was declared the fifth ranked councilor over Martinacio Tol. The two were tied at 309 votes each. In San Jose, the two candidates for barangay chairman who both ended up with 710 votes each, have already filed their separate petitions for a recount. Nilong said Alfredo Belgica and Ciriaco Saranas reufsed to settle the score via the toss coin formula as provided by the Comelec guidelines. "They filed their protests. These were already filed at the Municipal Trial Court in General Santos City," Nilong told Sun.Star. (07-22-02, Sun.Star General Santos) Comelec Task Force leaves poll work undone in Lanao MARAWI CITY -- The Commission on Election Task Force charged to oversee the conduct of the elections in Lanao del Sur has left town even as proclamation of winning bets in the joint Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections has not been finished. "We're leaving the city even if there are only three municipal election officers who were able to proclaim the town's winning candidates," said Luckier Adil, head of the Comelec Task Force monitoring the elections in the province. Adil's group left their temporary office at the Marawi Resort Hotel on Thursday after having been hounded by complaining candidates and supporters and alleged "manipulation" of some election officers. Adil, an executive assistant from the office of Comelec Commissioner Mehol K. Sadain, explained that it is not the responsibility of the of Task Force to proclaim winning candidates because "that is the task of the election officers of the different municipalities. It is not our task to duplicate their jobs." But Adil said majority of the election officers from the 39 towns of Lanao del Sur suspended the proclamation of candidates for fear the proclamation will lead to armed confrontation between winners and losers. "There was already a standing order for election officers to proclaim the winning politicians and to issue them their respective certificates of proclamations. That is their responsibility, not ours," he said. "Even if we stay, the situation will not be altered. Complaints and arguments will be endless," Adil said. "We will leave and we will make our reports and my presumption is that the election officers are capable of proclaiming the candidates because they must do their job," he said. Adil admitted that he felt bad with some election officers who were "manipulating" the situation, although he did not elaborate. But a resident from Lumba Bayabao town explained that Adil was referring to an election officer who reported that the election in a barangay had ended at 5 p.m. and that a winner had been proclaimed. In reality, no election was conducted because the ballot boxes were already filled up. Col. Felix Castro, chief of the 26th Infantry Batallion based in Butig, Lanao del Sur, said in the absence of the Comelec Task Force, some election officers may proclaim the losers as winners. "Baka magkapatayan na sila dito," he warned. (07-21-02, Sun.star Davao/MindaNews) Comelec
names winners in 21 out of 31 brys PANGASINAN -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Dagupan started declaring winners in both the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and barangay elections after it completed tabulation for election returns from precincts of 21 out of the City's 31 barangays. The Comelec, likewise, said the elections in 10 barangays which were postponed due to flooding will be held on Saturday, July 27. Meanwhile, Comelec has yet to break the tie votes in Barangays Tambac, Carael and Barangay I. Already pronounced winners by the City Comelec officer were: Mamalingling: Raymund C. Martin, barangay chief with councilors: Robert D. Cabison, Analyd D. Tuliao, Josefil C. Tabora, Sonny G. Tuates, Hernando Z. Gorospe, Baltazar L. Olesco and Zosimo A. Palaganas Sr. SK Chairman is Hilda C. Martin; Barangay IV: Teody A. Macasieb, barangay chief with councilors: Tiffany A. Samson, Josefina M. Delos Reyes, Alipio E. Aquino, Carlos E. Carrera, Emmanuel B. Moreno, Cresilda P. Villamil and Carlos S. Sayson. SK Chairman is Elizabeth B. Fernandez. Barangay I: Herminigildo J. Rosal, barangay chief with councilors: Pilagia M. Santos, Joey F. Mislang, Jimmy D. Villamil, Ma. Isabel P. Cruz, Corazon M. Tagulinao, Gerald E. Valencerina and Bobby Wong. No winner yet for the SK chairman. Barangay II: Noel L. Melecio, barangay chief with councilors: Franco A. Casilang, Roberto L. Melecio, Amante R. Rapacon, Eliseo M. Oviedo, Gregorio Q. Yambao, Celito G. Agbayani and Manuel R. Reyes. SK Chairman is Alvin C. Melecio. Mangin: Arsenio C. Esguerra, barangay chief with councilors: Bernard L. Cabison, Remegios S. Barrozo, Bonifacio G. Masaoy, Sylvia M. Tandoc, Sergio M Edades, Sr., Clemente L. Gemino and Jose M. Salayog, Sr. SK Chairman is Stephen Sabiano. Bonuan Boquig: Cariño A. Aquino, barangay chief with councilors: Felimon G. Gonzales, Jr., Margarita M. Gonzales, William A. Datuib, Dionisio A. Reyes, Fidel Serrano, Domingo J. Aquino and Antonio B. Aquino. SK Chairman is Kristina Grace S. Paras. Poblacion Oeste: Guillermo P. Vallejos, barangay captain chief with councilors: Joseph P. Vallejos, Humprey V. Mejia, Carmelo John E. Vidal, Lauro R. Agbuya, Jr., Roberto P. Tello, Rosa G. Fernandez and Jaime Z. Tada. SK Chairman is Anita C. Fernandez. Calmay: Evangelita V. Dela Cruz, barangay chief with councilors: Manuel M. Flores, Mario A. Collado, Carlos A. De Vera, Ric D. Laigue, Danilo G. Valencia, Manuel S. Quismundo and Noel G. Estrada. SK Chairman is Jeanette F. Aquino. Tambac: Eric Jose Muñoz, barangay chief with councilors: Armando S. Agas, Modesto C. Torio, Felipe M. Dalaten, Julita S. Yap, Cresencio M. Fernandez, Wilfredo S. Panlilio and Celestino S. Barrozo. No winner yet for SK chairman. Salisay: Conrado C. Muyalde, barangay chief with councilors: Andrew B. Carvajal, Antonio H. Esteves, Sr., Salvador B. Nuncio, Jr., Adela A. Dizon, Jaime A. Soramillos, Ricky B. Bautista and Minda E. Quilpan. SK Chairman is Jenny S. Mendoza. Tebeng: Robert A. Dion, barangay chief with councilors: Leonardo F. Magsanoc, Gerardo D. Beltran, Roland B. Daroy, Edwin P. Dion, Eusebio A. Lopez, Jr., Roland U. Bustillo and Helen F. Fermil. SK Chairman is Kathleen Grace B. Bustillo. Bolosan: Marvin V. Fabia, barangay chief with councilors: Arcadio C. Edades, Jonas D. Daroy, Milo A. Mamaril, Romeo T. Patani, Felix C. Bautista, Ludovico L. Basa. SK Chairman is Ava Maureen M. Laurel. Tapuac: Joaquin D. Reyes, barangay chief with councilors: Emmanuel C. Villamil, Helen C. Muyano, Jose Fernando M. Bautista, Nicolas D. Dato, Sarah D. Remolador, Rosalina G. Magpantay and Primitivo C. Castillo. SK Chairman is Florence S. Lomibao. Salapingao: Delfin C. De Guzman, barangay chief with councilors: Mario M. Fernandez, Brando S. Sentinellar, Dominador C. Benitez, Alberto J. Cervantes, Perla M. Flores, Ramon B. Delos Reyes and Marcelo F. Bautista, Jr. SK Chairman is Alberto M. De Guzman. Caranglaan: Cesar C. Fama, barangay chief with councilors: Connery R. Seen, Erlinda S. Camara, Freddie S. De Guzman, Manolo B. Sanchez, Alex B. Claveria, Ricardo A. Tayaba, Sr. and Francisco C. Catalan. SK Chairman is Isidro L. Estrella III. Malued: Marcial C. Rioflorido, barangay chief with councilors: Rogelio H. Solomon, Delia M. Cera, Delfin C. Tamayo, Sonny D. Dalioan, Alexander Caguioa, Rudy V. Cayabyab and Marcelino C. Morante. SK Chairman is Nelvin D. Eduard. Carael: Perfecto J. Velasquez, Jr., barangay chief with councilors: Jesusa P. Fernandez, Ferdinand D. Cayabyab, Lorenzo S. Felomino, Basilio P. Sandoval, Ma. Norma F. Rosario, Federico G. Esteves and Nazario C. De vera, Jr. NO winning SK chairman yet. Pugaro: Florencio A. Victorio, barangay chief with councilors: Ador V. Bancod, Melvin D. Advencula, Rodrigo D. Estrada, Teddy E. Bustillo, Abelardo B. Abueme, Salvador D. Quinto, Jr. and Edgar D. Caballero. SK Chairman is Kimber Dave A. De Vera. Bonuan Gueset: Ricardo C. Mejia, barangay chief with councilors: Lucas C. Ballesteros, Arturo M. Calaguio, Angelito C. Gumarang, Ferdinand M. Soy, Renato M. Vidal, Sigfredo M Ramos and Jose V. Fortin. SK Chairman is Karen Paragas. Bonuan Binloc: Pedro Q. Gonzales, barangay chief with councilors: Julius C. Alcaide, Rodolfo N. Clauna, Domingo Q. Ubando, Felicidad J. Narvasa, Alipio A. Torio, June P. Jugo and Rodrigo Biay. SK Chairman is Edel Aris B. Noveloso. Lomboy: Arsenio V. Santilla, Sr., barangay chief with councilors: John R. De Vera, Raymundo S. Tuliao, Gilbert C. Santillan, Samuel R. Santillan, Michael B. De Vera, Roberto M. Castro, Jr. and Milagros D. Gonzales. SK Chairman is Jonafe S. Ballesteros. (07-21-02, Sun.star Pangasinan) Supporters
of bet defeated by 10 votes want recount DAVAO -- Some 100 supporters of a defeated candidate for barangay captain in Davao City Friday picketed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) District 11 office to protest their bet's losing stand. Wearing red armbands and carrying placards, supporters of Celso Tizon assailed Comelec for allegedly proclaiming his opponent, Robert Olan-Olan, the winner in Barangay 76-A Bucana despite massive cheating. Olan-Olan got a total of 4,278 votes in the electoral exercise and was proclaimed the winner by the barangay board of canvassers over Tizon, who had only 4,268. Olan-Olan is reportedly a protégé of Davao City First District Rep. Prospero "Boy" Nograles. But Tizon's supporters said the counting of votes in some precincts were not properly conducted and that there were votes supposedly intended for Tizon but were counted in favor of Olan-Olan. "Recount, recount," chanted the protesters. "Tizon, biktima ug dagdag-bawas (Tizon, victim of vote padding)," read one the streamers they displayed. What angered the Tizon supporters even more was when Nograles allegedly showed up during the proclamation to raise the hand of Olan-Olan. But Adalia Tambuang, Comelec District 11 election officer, said they have no jurisdiction over the matter since Olan-Olan was duly proclaimed by the barangay board of directors and in the presence of Comelec officials. Tambuang said any electoral protest can be filed before the court, not Comelec, since it is only the courts which can resolve the issue. As for the protesting Tizon supporters, she said "they are entitled to hold a rally." (07-20-02, Sun.Star Davao) Kusug loses another ally CEBU -- Another barangay chief from the Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) defected to the administration, as Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) claimed five more are expected to pledge their allegiance within the week. Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who attended the wedding reception of Barangay Luz Captain Nemesio Pagador Jr.'s son, announced before visitors the defection of Barangay Chief-elect Leto Fajardo of Tejero to BO-PK. The announcement came hours after Osmeña rejected Pagador's plan to run against Guadalupe's Eugenio Faelnar Jr. in his bid for Association Barangay Councils (ABC) chief. Pagador and Ermita Barangay Captain Felicisimo Rupinta, who are reported to be eyeing the ABC presidency, said in separate interviews Friday they are willing to follow the BO-PK decision. "Nagsabot na mi sa BO-PK nga kon kinsa'y blessingan ni Mayor Osmeña, suportahan namo," Pagador said. (We have agreed that whoever the mayor endorses, we will support.) Like Romeo Ocarol of Pasil and Rustica Asid of Buhisan, Fajardo cited easy access to projects and financial help from City Hall as his reasons for leaving Kusug, less than a week since the barangay elections. With Tabunan Barangay Chief-elect Bernabe Arcayan's victory over Vicente Padayao in a tiebreaker Friday, BO-PK how has 47 barangay chiefs as its allies, while Kusug has 30. Three are not openly identified with any party. Sacrifice Moreover, Cebu City Councilor George Rama said they are contemplating on inviting Kusug councilors to join BO-PK. Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem said first-term Councilor Dana Ruiz-Sesante would likely join the administration. But Sesante denied the claim, saying the matter "has not even reached my mind." After confirming his transfer to the administration party, Fajardo told Sun.Star: "It's a personal sacrifice. I know this would hurt him (former mayor Alvin Garcia) but I have to do this for my barangay. It's too early to announce it kay maikog ko niya, pero gibiyaan man gud sab mi niya." (I am worried about offending him, but he has also left us.) It was defeated candidate for councilor Jun Pe of BO-PK who convinced Fajardo to join the group. "Anyway, dili sila makaingon nga balimbing ko kay dili man sab mi kontra ni Mayor Tom. Initially, I campaigned for him in the 2001 elections but I had to respect my (former barangay) chief (Nilo Servila, who was one of the mythical five)," he added. 'Bandwagon' Ted Ayeng, Association of Barangay Councils spokesman, described as a "dis-information drive" the reports that more Kusug allies will be defecting to BO-PK. He said it is not true that Barangay Captains Manuel Guanzon of Capitol Site, Eduardo Cabulao of Tisa and Danilo Lim of Poblacion, Pardo are also going to shift loyalties to Osmeña. Ayeng said they are optimistic that even if they can reconvene the preparatory recall assembly, majority will still support the recall. Some barangay captains, he claimed, were even offered P100,000 in exchange for not voting for Navarro in the ABC race. But he believes many captains will still go for Navarro, over Faelnar. "They are using the publicity mileage to demoralize our members. They are trying to establish a bandwagon effect but it was only good during the time of Serging Osmeña. Bistado naman na," Ayeng said. More names surfaced, like Joel Garganera of Tinago, Cenon Bacus of San Nicolas Proper and Mary Ann delos Santos of Lahug, who allegedly sent feelers they wanted to join BO-PK. In separate interviews, Garganera and delos Santos laughed off the allegations. "That's news to me," delos Santos said. Abandoned? In another interview, reelected Chief Danilo Lim of Poblacion, Pardo said it's been a year since they wished to reconcile with Osmeña. "But it's difficult as of now to decide on defecting because we have just been reelected. We need enough time," he said in Cebuano, alluding to the support he got from Garcia during the campaign. However, Lim said he is willing to support Osmeña in his delivery of basic services. Councilor Rama criticized Garcia for allegedly turning his back on the barangay captains during the campaign period. "He abandoned his barangay captains and instead worked hard for the recall move. Alvin should have campaigned for them because he is not mayor anymore. Many of them are dismayed," he added. But Lim said the defeated candidates of Kusug should not put the blame on Garcia because "it's really up to the candidate to campaign." "Dili na lang nato ipamahid sa laing tawo atong kapildihan," he said. (Let's not blame other people for our losses.) (07-20-02, Sun.Star Cebu) Tabunan
tiebreaker favors BO-PK bet CEBU -- Luck seems to be going Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan's (BO-PK) way this week. Barangay Tabunan's Vicente Padayao, an ally of Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) lost the barangay chairmanship to BO-PK's Bernabe Arcayan when they drew lots Friday afternoon, further increasing the number of BO-PK-allied barangay captains to 47. Cheers from Arcayan's supporters broke the tension-filled silence inside the Cebu City Election Office after Padayao's hopeful expression changed to gloom when he saw he picked the blank paper. The rolled piece of paper that read "punong barangay" went to Arcayan, his former ally-turned-political rival. Observers could not help but feel sorry for Padayao, 59, the barangay's head since 1997, when he lost, by lack of luck, past 2 p.m. Padayao had asked for the postponement of the tie-breaking process, which under the Omnibus Election Code is decided by chance. Padayao and Arcayan got 304 votes each during last Monday's synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. Acting Provincial Election Supervisor Edwin Cadungog, who is concurrent Cebu City south district election officer, said the process had to push through even if two members of the board of canvassers (BOC) in the barangay failed to arrive on time due to the bad weather. Cadungog assured Padayao, though, that he can file an election protest within 10 days. It has to be substantial if he wants a recount, Cadungog also advised him. The process, scheduled at 1:30 p.m., was postponed to past 2 p.m. since they had to wait for teachers Josephine Estorco and Edwin Puson, members of the BOC, to arrive. An hour later, Cadungog asked BOC chairperson Belinda Desquitado to prepare a manifestation that the tie had to be broken despite the absence of the two members. Cantipla Elementary School principal Josefina Gatchalian took the place of the two and signed the document, along with Desquitado and the two candidates, as proof of their approval. The Comelec staff prepared two rolled sheets of paper and placed them inside a ceramic pot. Padayao, as incumbent, was asked to draw first. Winner, loser Everyone in the room held their breath as Padayao, who stood across Arcayan, slowly opened the piece of paper and bowed his head in defeat, prompting Arcayan's supporters to applaud and jump in jubilation. Kusug stalwart and former mayor Alvin Garcia's wife, Ninette, who was present during the activity, took Padayao's arm to lead him out of the office. "Wa'y problema na," he told reporters when asked how he felt. Arcayan, in a separate interview, admitted he really felt he wouldn't get the post and accepted the fact that in an election, there is always a loser. He was proclaimed winner shortly thereafter. He also revealed he felt sorry for the former barangay captain. "Gibati ko'g kaluoy gamay. Gihangyo gud ko niya (Padayao) nga siya lang usa akong palingkuron," he said of his political rival. (I felt sorry for him. He did request that he be allowed to take office, being the incumbent.) "Pero mag-unsa man ang mga tawo nako? Labhan sad ko nila. Total, wa ma ni'y daya. Legal man ni," he added. (But what about my supporters? They'd come after me. Anyway, this procedure is legitimate.) No power-sharing Before they drew lots, Arcayan admitted Padayao asked if they could share the three-year term. However, Cadungog said that is impossible since under the law, serving a public office cannot be subjected to a "compromise." Ninette Garcia also noted erasures in the election returns in Barangay Tabunan but Cadungog said these were "immaterial." Arcayan, who has served as the barangay's first councilor since 1994, said he plans to prioritize the building of the barangay's first high school, the electrification of some sitios and the improvement of roads, to make it easier for his constituents to bring vegetables from their barangay to the urban areas. Being an ally of the administration, he said he will ask south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco to fund the building of the school so teenagers from his barangay would not have to walk three to four kilometers a day to go to a high school in the neighboring barangay. It's about time, he also said, that the rest of the barangay gets electricity. For years now, only the six-kilometer stretch from Sitio Cantipla to Tabunan proper has been enjoying power supply. (07-20-02, Sun.Star Cebu) Comelec
sets special polls in 41 Manila brys. MANILA -- Synchronized elections for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan posts are scheduled Saturday for areas in Manila where these were earlier suspended due to massive floods, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Friday. Comelec Chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. said they are ready to hold special polls in about 41 barangays in the metro, mostly in Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, and Valenzuela. Abalos said floodwaters in these areas have already receded and the weather has been favorable to allow the holding of the political exercise. As far as the special elections in the provinces are concerned, Abalos said they would finish the Metro polls first before they would tackle the elections elsewhere. Comelec Commissioner Ressureccion Borra said they are still waiting for the assessment of their regional election officers on the situation in their areas of concern. Flooding forced the Comelec to suspend the synchronized elections in some 527 barangays in many parts of Luzon. "But in areas where security concerns were the reason for the postponement, we would have to wait for the assessment of the Armed Forces and the police before the en banc would decide on a definite date," Borra said. Both Abalos assured they would definitely hold the elections not later than 30 days from the date of the postponement. (07-20-02, Sunnex-Luzon) SK,
brgy. polls in S. Mindanao turn out high DAVAO -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 has recorded a high turnout of voters in Southern Mindanao during the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. Based on the consolidated statistical data released by Comelec, voter turnout in the barangay elections for the region reached 70.90 percent and 78.49 percent for the SK electoral exercise. The highest percentage for the barangay elections was noted in the Island Garden City of Samal at 78.10 percent while Davao City registered the lowest at 59.67 percent. Davao City has the highest number of registered voters in the region with 543,583, but only 324,354 of them actually voted. For the SK, Davao del Sur registered the highest percentage at 84.36 percent after 18,853 of its 22,348 registered voters participated in the elections. The lowest was recorded in Davao Oriental at 70.08 percent. The rest of the voter turnout in the barangay elections are as follows: Davao del Norte (75.47 percent), Davao Oriental (75.40 percent), Davao del Sur (74.31 percent), South Cotabato (73.40 percent), Compostela Valley (72.68 percent), Sarangani (71.41 percent), Panabo City (69.81 percent), Tagum City (66.17 percent) and Digos City (64.04 percent). In the SK elections, the rest of the voter turnout include Island Garden City of Samal (84.21 percent), Davao del Norte (84.17 percent), South Cotabato (83.65 percent), Compostela Valley (79.83 percent), Sarangani (79.74 percent), Tagum City (76.20 percent), Panabo City (75.25 percent), Davao City (74.70 percent) and Digos City (70.12 percent). (07-19-02, Sun.star Davao) Brgy.
awaits Comelec ruling on poll failure BACOLOD -- The Commission on Elections en banc is yet to decide on the recommendation to declare a failure of elections in Barangay Winaswasan, Calatrava, said Victor Gaborne, acting regional election director. Gaborne issued the recommendation after only 53 out of 484 voters in the village cast their votes during Monday's synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. This, after the election proceedings was reportedly delayed due to the presence of the armed guerillas of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade. Gaborne told Sun.Star that if the en banc will declare a failure of elections, another election will be held not later than 30 days after Monday's election. Lawyer Marsha Cordero, acting provincial election supervisor, said military and police personnel will be deployed to Barangay Winaswasan if another election will be conducted. The rebels reportedly came to show support for candidate for barangay captain, Romulo Balaod. They, however, left right before the Philippine Army troopers arrived to secure the village. Voting only started at 4 p.m. and lasted until 7 p.m. as the residents refused to go to the polling precincts earlier for fear of the armed men. (07-19-02, Sun.star Bacolod) 3
Kusug defectors swell Bando to 44 CEBU -- At least three barangay chiefs identified with Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) defected to Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) Thursday. Barangay Chiefs-elect Rustica Asid of Buhisan and Romeo Ocarol of Pasil took their oath of office before Rep. Antonio Cuenco Thursday noon. Both officials cited easy access to projects and funding from the Cebu City Government as their reasons for joining the administration, just three days after the election. Nenita Bacus of Pamutan reportedly called up Cuenco past 2 p.m. to express her desire to join the administration as well. Cuenco, a BO-PK ally, said the party expects more Kusug barangay chiefs to defect but he did not name them yet. Two other barangay captains whose victories the Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed Thursday are also allied with BO-PK, which now has at least 44 of 80 captains on its side. The two are Michael Ocleasa of Day-as and Miguel Cabatino of Duljo-Fatima. A tie between a Kusug and a BO-PK ally, for the chairmanship of Barangay Tabunan, will be settled this afternoon. The barangay captains' alliances in Cebu City are crucial these days because of a pending resolution to recall Mayor Tomas Osmeña, signed by 399 of 710 barangay officials last July 6. Free to choose In an interview, Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president Jose Navarro said he could not stop the defectors "from leaving us (in Kusug). It's their choice. It's their right." "I understand they are afraid that they will not be given access to projects from City Hall. They are free to choose," he told Sun.Star. Osmeña has raised the possibility of reconciling with the barangay officials, except Navarro and Busay Barangay Captain-elect Eliodoro "Yody" Sanchez. "I do not accept mercenaries anymore. Just let them file charges," Osmeña said in a press conference at his residence Thursday. Sanchez, who earlier vowed to file charges against Osmeña for distributing bags of cement in Busay during the election period, said he will visit City Hall and ask for the mayor's forgiveness. He was also one of the barangay officials who signed the recall resolution against Osmeña. Open door So was Ocarol, who shifted parties Thursday. Cuenco escorted Asid, Ocarol, three other Pasil barangay councilors-elect and Ocarol's son, Sangguniang Kabataan President-elect Romeo Jr., to Osmeña's residence Thursday after the oath-taking ceremony in Cuenco's house in Barangay Guadalupe. There was no oath of membership to BO-PK, though, as it is not yet a political party accredited by the Commission on Elections. Osmeña welcomed the group, saying their allegiance to BO-PK will make for better teamwork with City Hall in delivering basic services. "Like I said, I did not have an open door policy last year because some of my leaders were running. Luoy man pod if I lock them out. I welcome almost all, but not everybody, especially those who I think are mercenaries," Osmeña said. After gaining majority of the city's barangay captains, BO-PK is now setting its sights on the ABC presidency, which Navarro holds. BO-PK's likely candidate is Guadalupe's Eugenio Faelnar, with the mayor even warning those who plan to contest Faelnar's candidacy that they may be booted out of the party if they do that. (07-19-02, Sun.Star Cebu) Post
poll clean up on for LGUs, says Lina MANILA -- "Now that elections are over, it is time to clean up the mess." So ordered Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose D. Lina Jr. Wednesday as he urged all city and municipal mayors, barangay and youth officials nationwide to take the lead role in cleaning their localities of election posters, streamers and similar campaign paraphernalia. In a memorandum, he reminded all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, barangay captains and DILG regional directors to undertake an after-election cleanup in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Lina said barangay officials - whether winners or losers should initiate the cleaning of their surroundings especially that the rainy season is here as it can add up to our waste problem. In the recently-concluded synchronized barangay and SK elections, a total of 671,100 barangay and SK positions were contested. Lina has directed all DILG Regional Directors, Provincial and City Directors to monitor the implementation of his order to all concerned local authorities. (07-18-02, Sunnex-Luzon) Modernization
to eat up Comelec's P10B budget MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is asking for P10.7 billion budget for 2003, P6.2 billion of which will cover the modernization plan. In connection with this, Comelec Commissioner Ressureccion Borra said Comelec would be holding a general registration for 2004 before the year ends to kick off its plan to upgrade the electoral process in the country. Borra said the Comelec already has its sight focused to the 2004 elections and the bulk of their 2003 budget has been apportioned to the computerization and automation of the electoral process. Although the Comelec en banc has yet to decide what method of modernization would be used, the P6.2 billion budget allocated for the modernization, approximates the P6.5 billion voters registration and identification system (VRIS), which status remains pending with the Supreme Court. Of the P10.7 billion budget, P440 million will be spent in preparation for the 2004 elections, P951 million for the absentee voting expenditures and at least P1 million will be for a new Comelec building. Expecting a heated argument over the issue of what system to be used, Borra said the Comelec would invite lawyers who would sit in the en banc next week and discuss the validity of all the systems being proposed. Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. himself avoided discussing the divisive VRIS issue and said he would excuse himself when the en banc deliberates on it. However, Borra said all these efforts would go to waste if a general voters' registration would not be held before the year ends. Borra said this registration is critical in maintaining a credible presidential election in 2004, the only problem, however, the Comelec does not have the budget for the general registration and holding one would require a law authorizing them to hold the registration. Under the Omnibus Election Code, Borra said a general registration could only be held every 12 years. The last time that a general listing was done in the country was in 1997, which schedules the next one in 2009 in time for the 2010 presidential election. Abalos said the Comelec needs at least a billion pesos to hold the general registration this year and this is expected to come from the national government, apart from their usual budget for next year. But the Comelec, Borra said, cannot wait that long anymore. "If we want to have a credible elections come 2004, we must hold the listing before the end of the year, otherwise we are stuck with the old voters' list, with probable minor cleansing," he said. Abalos, who was infuriated with the widespread reports of confusion marring the elections, traceable to an "unclean" voters' list, agreed. Abalos said the en banc has agreed to prioritize, more than anything, the "cleansing" of the voters list before the 2004 elections. "I'm not referring to any project or system but if we could have Congress adopt a law for the general registration it would be back to square one," Abalos said. Abalos said the new general registration, which would jumpstart the Comelec Modernization program, would have the voter's biometric characters in the list; fingerprints, signature, and photo. Comelec Commissioner Luzviminda Tancangco said they are looking into the possibility of using electronic equipment to process these fingerprints and photos. She also said the precinct mapping would have to be finished together with listing. "But we need to do all these by the end of the year, because by 2003 we would be focused on the automating and computerizing the voting and counting processes," Borra said. (07-18-02, Sunnex-Luzon) Winning
bets won't settle tie through toss coin GENERAL SANTOS -- TWO winning candidates for barangay chairman in San Jose locked in a tie refused to settle the deadlock via toss coin. City election officer Abraham Nilong said Alfredo Belgica and Ciriaco Saranas instead would request for a recount of the ballots. Belgica and Saranas both got 710 votes according to the official and final result submitted by members of the board of canvassers in San Jose. "Ayaw pumayag nung nanalong dalawang kandidato na mag-toss coin sila. Pero sa batas ng Commission on Election mag-toss coin talaga," Nilong said. The city election officer however proclaimed all seven winning candidates for councilors in the said barangay Tuesday morning. As of Wednesday, only the winners in Barangays San Jose and Lagao were not yet proclaimed. Incumbents Avelino Flores of Labangal, Delia Rabanes of Apopong and Rolly Frenilla of Fatima were already proclaimed Tuesday. In Upper Labay, proclamation of winning councilors also did not push through as four candidates were tied for the last slot. All of them also rejected the toss coin formula to determine who among them should be proclaimed winner. (07-18-02, Sun.Star General Santos) Dumaguete
elections peaceful, orderly DUMAGUETE -- The synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in Dumaguete City were generally peaceful, according to the assessment of the PNP City Police. So far, only incumbent and Piapi reelectionist Barangay Chief Jose Quitay complained that he and his companion were mauled by a group of 20 alleged supporters of his rival. Earlier, Quitay said on May 14, the eve of the elecitions, he received a telephone call who asked for financia assistance for the purchase of a coffin for someone who reportedly died at the Esturas Compound in Purok Tugas. Quitay said he initially turned down the request because it was on the eve of the elections as he could be accused of electioneering. But, later, he said, he changed his mind and went to the area only check on the request and was met by a group. The group allegedly called him a vote buyer and mauled him and his companion. The beatings stopped with the arrival of policemen. Meanwhile, Quitay's rival political group plan to file charges against the barangay chief for reportedly going house to house and campaigning on the evening before Monday's elections. Jun Benarao, a candidate for councilman, said his group is preparing the complaints for violating election laws against Quitay. Comelec has banned campaigning on the day before elections. (07-18-02, Sun.Star Dumaguete) Over 50 bets endorsed by Hugpong won: Rody DAVAO -- It was not a bad showing after all in the recently concluded elections for the candidates endorsed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. Duterte announced Wednesday that his candidates have won more than the 50 barangay captain posts with the winners coming mostly from the third district. "I think that we have reached more than 50. We got most of the slots in the third district," Duterte told City Hall beat reporters. Duterte had endorsed over a hundred candidates for barangay captain in the city's 183 barangays. Although most of the winners were non-Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod members, this does not mean that Duterte's group had a poor showing since there were barangays where Duterte endorsed more than one candidate. The ones who suffered most were Duterte's candidates in the poblacion area. Of the nine incumbents under Duterte, only four won, with one of them running unopposed. Those who won were Tospamis Igdamin of Langub, Odillon Ingayo of Barangay 21-C, Danilo Andoy of Bago Aplaya and Carlos Garcia of Barangay 2-A who ran unopposed. Incumbents Serge Collera of Mapa, Albert Baguilod of Catalu¤an Peque¤o, Eddie Saron of Bago Gallera, Alexis Montejo of Dumoy and Moreno Magbanua of Talomo lost. But Duterte reiterated that he will not associate with the winning candidates outside of Hugpong and maintained that is not going to attend the oath taking ceremony for barangay captains. "I do not intend to coalesce with anybody," Duterte said. When asked if he is ready to name his candidate for the elections for the Liga ng mga Barangay, Duterte replied: "I have yet to study the political menu." (07-18-02, Sun.Star Davao) More
peaceful polls in NPA-infested barangays BAGUIO -- Commission on Elections (Comelec) Regional Director Armando Velasco revealed Thursday that it was "generally more peaceful" in identified New Peoples Army-infested barangays than other areas of concern in the Cordillera on the eve and during Monday's joint barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. This developed even as both the police and the military reported that the CPP-NPA was monitored to have been trying to influence the results of elections in favor of alleged pro-revolutionary candidates. "We were actually surprised to note that naging mas peaceful pa ang elections sa mga identified NPA areas compared to other areas with less records of election-related crime incidents," Velasco told Sun.Star after the Kapihan forum Wednesday. Comelec records showed that NPA-infiltrated areas in Abra provinces are Barangays Mataragan, Duldulao, Buanao, Lat-ey, Umnap, Kili, Tabacda, Alantin, Sallapadan, Bazar and Ud-udiao. In Mt. Province, the areas are Can-eo, Dalican, Tamboan, Aguid, Fedilisan, Betwagan, Belwwang. In Kalinga, the barangays are Gawaan and Poswoy while the reported lone stronghold of the underground movement in Benguet is barangay Dalupirip in Itogon. Velasco claimed that majority of the reported election-related violence, which resulted in the death of some candidates and their supporters, took place in areas that are not NPA-infested. The Cordillera Police Regional Office reported on Monday that a series of election-related violence, including the shooting to death of some barangay chief candidates and their supporters occurred at the eve and during the supposedly peaceful and orderly synchronized barangay and SK elections. Reports obtained from the PRO-CAR Tactical Operations Division showed that operatives of the Abra Provincial Police Office recovered the cadaver of Marlon Pacursa, a candidate for barangay chief in Baog, San Juan Abra on July 14. Police also recovered eight live cal. 45 bullets from his pocket. A candidate for councilor in the same barangay, identified as Robert Bose, together with his two supporters, Nove Bolante and Joel Turqueza, were ambushed by two still unidentified heavily armed men while on their way to sitio Calao Proper. Turqueza died on the spot while the two others were unhurt. On July 5, Mariano Brianca, a barangay chief candidate in Namarabar, Abra, along his companion survived the attempt on their lives when a rival reportedly fired at them. (07-18-02, Sun.Star Baguio) Special
polls on Saturday for flooded Manila areas MANILA -- Postponed synchronized elections in flooded areas in Metro Manila will be held simultaneously this Saturday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Tuesday. Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said Comelec would finish this Saturday what it started last Monday --with an en banc decision to push through with the barangay and Sangunihang Kabataan (SK) elections in 39 barangays mostly in Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, and Valenzuela. Postponed elections in three barangays in Quezon City would also be held this weekend. Abalos is hopeful the floodwaters by then would have receded to levels enough to make elections possible. Abalos personally went to Sampaloc, Manila, to oversee the election held there Tuesday after Comelec erroneously postponed the exercise in the area due to misleading information relayed to the office. Abalos apologized anew to the registered voters in the barangay. In the provinces, however, Comelec Commissioner Ressureccion Borra said voters would have to wait a little longer before Comelec can decide on a definite date to hold elections there which were suspended due to flooding. About 527 barangays have been affected. "In areas where security concerns were the reason for the postponement, we would have to wait for the assessment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP before the en banc would decide on a definite date," Borra said. Both Abalos and Borra agreed that the elections would be held not later than 30 days from the postponement order. (07-17-02, Sunnex) Drop
recall, we end row: BO-PK tells ABC CEBU -- Withdraw the recall resolution against Mayor Tomas Osmeña now. This was the suggestion of three lawyers Tuesday, after many of the Kugi Uswag Sugbu (Kusug) reelectionists who signed the recall resolution lost last Monday. But official results in 51 of 80 Cebu City barangays, as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, still showed Kusug and Bando Osmeña in a tie, with 22 barangay chiefs each. Seven of the winners were not openly identified with either party. Official results of 29 remaining barangays, which could be available today, will show which party has the upper hand among barangay leaders, and how this will affect the move to recall Osmeña. But going by the results so far, former Cebu governor Lito Osmeña believes the recall move against his cousin won't prosper. Cebu City Councilor Manuel Legaspi said Tuesday those who will be elected as new officers of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) can withdraw the recall resolution. The recall matter would then become a legal question that can be submitted to the Supreme Court (SC). "Jose Navarro's days as ABC President are already numbered," the councilor said, echoing a statement of Osmeña. Osmeña announced Tuesday he may be open to a reconciliation with the barangay captains identified with Kusug, except for three. His exceptions include Navarro and Barangay Captain-elect Eliodoro Sanchez of Busay. 'Moral obligation' With majority of barangay captains on their side now, Legaspi said Guadalupe Barangay Captain Eugenio Faelnar Jr., who will be BO-PK's candidate for ABC president, is a sure winner. The new term starts on Aug. 15, followed by the ABC elections a month later. In a press conference Tuesday, Osmeña confirmed BO-PK will endorse Faelnar, who heads the largest barangay in the city, for ABC president. (He said Monday that BO-PK expected to get at least 40 of the 80 captains in the city, but some allies raised Tuesday their projections to 43-46.) Navarro has said he will seek reelection as ABC president. Former councilor Edgardo Labella, for his part, believes that changes among barangay officials---all of whom compose the preparatory recall assembly---place legal and moral obligations on the part of the "survivors" from the 399 members who approved the resolution to recall the mayor. Labella urged them to consider withdrawing the resolution and give Osmeña a chance to finish his term. Recall on? According to Labella, withdrawing the resolution will also serve as a gesture of courtesy to the newly elected barangay officials and an opportunity for reconciliation with the mayor. With the results of the elections, talking about the recall move is already moot, former governor Lito Osmeña said in a visit to the Provincial Capitol Tuesday. "Just look at the results of the elections. The recall move is no longer worth discussing," he said. But defeated Kamagayan Barangay Chairman Mansueto "Tito" Avila doesn't think so. Immediately after conceding to his brother Celestino last Monday, Tito vowed to continue working on the recall case. Tito blamed his defeat on his role in the recall move against Osmeña, where he acted as secretary of the preparatory recall assembly held at the Capitol last July 6. Withdraw it He said the recall process has to go on, especially now that it has been filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec). But like Labella, City Attorney Ramiro Madarang said the recall resolution can be withdrawn. Madarang pointed out this can be done right after the elected barangay officials assume office on Aug. 15 and without having to wait until the new |
