Two losing candidates for barangay kagawads in Dumaguete City have reportedly filed election protests before the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 1 at the Hall of Justice.
Dumaguete City Election Officer Gildu Agoncillo confirmed that he has already been directed to secure the ballot boxes in Taclobo and Looc for a possible recounting of votes.
This was after an election protest was filed by incumbent Kag. Jocelyn Ombos, who lost by only two votes to returning Kag. Enrique Oira in the recent elections.
Under the rules, a candidate who files an election protest is required to deposit P25,000 or more,with the court to defray expenses during the revision process.
Usually, Agoncillo said, the winning candidate whose victory is under protest, also files a counter election protest to get even in the precincts where he or she believes the votes for him or her were not counted.
Agoncillo said the outcome of the election protest all depends on how knowledgeable, well-instructed and well-versed their respective poll watchers are to be able to note the proceedings during the counting.
Meanwhile, the No. 8 kagawad of barangay Looc, Ana Maria Larena, has also filed an election protest against the No. 7 elected barangay kagawad Sheila Mae Catada.
Reelected punong barangay Angelita Ragay said the difference between the two is only one vote, and Larena is hoping her vote may have been counted for the other candidate whose surname is also Larena.
Agoncillo made it clear that the election protest will be decided 30 days after it is submitted for decision, but in no case shall this exceed six months from the filing of the case in court under Presiding Judge Dinah Tabada-Chu.
Meanwhile, Agoncillo is also expecting complaints of alleged vote-buying in Taclobo, Bajumpandan, Calindagan, among others.* (Juancho Gallarde/PNA)
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