Protests mar PCL elections in Visayas

CEBU, Philippines — The synchronized regional elections of the Philippine Councilors League Wednesday were marred by protests, at least in two regions – Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas.

In Central Visayas, PCL Bohol Provincial Federation president, San Isidro Councilor Gloria Gementiza, questioned the candidacy of Bayawan City Councilor Mark Fidencio Aurelia for regional chairman since the latter is just a treasurer of PCL Negros Oriental Provincial Federation.

The PCL by-laws provide that only the chapter and federation president can run for regional chairman. Other officers may run for regional chairman provided that those higher in ranks execute a waiver.

In the case of Aurelia, he was able to present a duly notarized waiver of his president, vice president, secretary-general and treasurer of the PCL Negros Oriental Provincial Federation.

This prompted the election committee led by the Department of Interior and Local Government to accept Aurelia’s candidacy for president of PCL Region 7 or Central Visayas.

The election pushed through with the entire slate of Aurelia being proclaimed winners.

Other officers for Region 7 are Dumaguete City Councilor Rey Lyndon Lawas as vice chairman, Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Janvi dela Serna as secretary-general, Councilor Anna Jay Mariot of Negros Oriental as treasurer, Councilor Jamel Patrick Royo of Siquijor as auditor, and Councilor Mark Christoffel Benguerigo of Negros Oriental as PRO.

The Board of Directors are composed of Councilors Annabeth Cuizon of Lapu-Lapu City, Abner Lomongo of Siquijor, Jonathan Villegas of Cebu Province, Amuerfino Perales of Toledo City, Juna May Teves of Negros Oriental, Harold Salimbangon of Cebu Province, Joseph Pangatungan of Lapu-Lapu City, Jayson Dawami of Siquijor, and Alona Arcamo of Siquijor.

Aurelia thanked the PCL Cebu Provincial Federation led by Toledo City Councilor Ricardo “Kuya Nick” Pepito for being instrumental for their victory.

In Region 8 or Eastern Visayas, Councilor Ralph Vincent Evardone of Eastern Samar has unseated incumbent regional chairman, Councilor Chiqui Ruth Uy of Palo, Leyte.

Evardone raised protest against Uy over non-compliance of some documentary requirements but the election committee allowed the latter to seek reelection.

Evardone, in his speech, emphasized the changes they want in the organization and to give equal opportunities to all other provinces in the region.

Uy is serving her second term as councilor of Palo and is the wife of former PCL president, Wilson Uy, who was the president of the organization from 2004 until June 30, 2019.

In Region 6 or Western Visayas, the slate led by Councilor Roly Equiña ran unopposed during the election.

The Visayas elections were held at the Bai Hotel in Mandaue City yesterday.

All newly-elected regional officers immediately took their oath before PCL national president Handy Lao of Ilocos Norte.

The PCL national election is set for March next year. – JMD (FREEMAN)