Comelec upholds disqualification case vs Edu Manzano

MANILA, Philippines — Actor and television host Edu Manzano may be out of the congressional race in San Juan City after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) affirmed his disqualification case on Monday.

In a 15-page resolution, the Comelec’s Second Division canceled the candidacy of Manzano for congressman of the city’s lone district.

He is running against Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, who is seeking his last term.

The poll body granted the petition for disqualification filed against Manzano by San Juan resident Sophia Patricia Gil, who claimed that he is not a Filipino citizen.

“Manzano’s certificate of candidacy (COC) is hereby declared canceled and denied due course,” the Comelec ruling read.

The resolution stated that Manzano, who is a Filipino-American, failed to re-acquire his Filipino citizenship when he filed his COC in October last year.

Records showed that Manzano lost his Filipino citizenship when he served as a member of the US Army from 1973 to 1977.

He failed to comply with the requirements for reacquisition of Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 2630, according to the Comelec.

But in his dissenting opinion, Second Divison Presiding Commissioner Luie Guia said Manzano is qualified to run for congressman.

“His candidacies in past elections are more than enough notice to the public that he is a Filipino citizen, and that his allegiance is with the Philippines, not with any other foreign country,” Guia said.

Manzano ran for mayor and vice mayor of Makati in previous elections.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada described the disqualification of Manzano as “unfortunate.”

 Estrada said Manzano may appeal the Comelec decision before the Supreme Court. – Jose Rodel Clapano