Loren Legarda’s Antique House bid OK’d

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed a petition to disqualify Sen. Loren Legarda, who is running for congresswoman of the lone district of Antique, in the May elections.

“Legarda did not misrepresent in her COC (certificate of candidacy) her period of residence in Antique,” the Comelec’s Second Division said in a 15-page decision released yesterday.

The poll body said Legarda presented proof that she established her residence in Barangay Mag-aba in Pandan town since Jan. 1, 2018. It cited the lease contract of the senator’s house as well as letters from villagers welcoming her in the community.

“It is worthy to note that letters from residents of the barangay welcoming Legarda as well as other exhibits of similar import were not belied nor questioned by (Robin) Rubinos and (former governor Exequiel) Javier,” the Comelec pointed out, referring to those who filed the disqualification case.

The Comelec said Legarda abandoned her domicile in Barangay Potrero, Malabon City and transferred her voter registration to Antique.

The Election Registration Board of Pandan approved the transfer of Legarda’s voter registration last Oct. 29.

“There is nothing wrong with a prospective... candidate applying for transfer within a year from election day. What is important is that the candidate’s period of residence in the place where she intends to run is at least one year before election day,” the Comelec said. 

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the ruling could still be appealed.

”Since it is not yet final, it has no practical impact on the candidacy,” Jimenez said.

Legarda thanked the Comelec for “siding with the truth.”

”I have proven several times that I am a resident of Barangay Mag-aba in Pandan and my roots can be traced to Antique,” she said. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe