MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has affirmed the cancelation of the certificate of candidacy (COC) of Datu Pax Ali Mangundadatu who is running for governor of Sultan Kudarat.
The Comelec en banc issued a resolution on Monday upholding the Jan. 18 resolution of the first division.
“The commission (first division) correctly found that respondent committed false material representation under Section 78 of the OEC (Omnibus Election Code) in his COC... Respondent signed his COC and subscribed and sworn to the veracity of his declarations therein, indicating that his false representations are deliberate and will effectively mislead the electorate on his qualifications as governor of Sultan Kudarat,” the resolution read.
In his COC, Mangudadatu claimed that he is a resident of Barangay Tamnag in Lutayan town for one year and eight months and eligible to run for governor.
The Comelec found these claims false since Mangudadatu is the incumbent mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki in Maguindanao.
In Bataan, Mayor Jocelyn Castañeda of Mariveles, Bataan was charged with robbery for allegedly ransacking a vehicle loaded with campaign materials.
Col. Romell Velasco, Bataan police director, said the complaint stemmed from allegations that Castañeda led a group of people who took the campaign materials of her opponent in Barangay Ipag.
Velasco said police filed the complaint after the owner of the van sought the help of authorities.
Castañeda is seeking reelection. – Ric Sapnu