MANILA, Philippines - Two weeks before the May 13 polls, a disqualification case was filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against the re-electionist mayor of Balangkayan, Eastern Samar.
In a petition, Allan Contado said the certificate of candidacy of his rival, Balangkayan Mayor Nita Alde, should be cancelled as she violated the provisions of the Omnibus Election Code.
Contado said last April 8, Alde organized a motorcade in Balangkayan using vehicles owned by the local government.
“Alde permitted the use of sirens and emergency lights of a fire truck and ambulance while they were conducting the motorcade when there was no emergency to respond†he said.
The complainant said the re-electionist mayor committed abuse of authority in the use of public vehicles in her campaign.
Contado said Alde should not only be disqualified but also be meted the penalty corresponding to an election offense.
Contado's petition showed he is the official candidate of the Liberal Party-Nationalist People’s Coalition (LP-NPC), while Alde is the nominated bet of LP.