2 losing village chief bets in Capiz seek recount

By Felipe V Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Two candidates are seeking recounts after they both lost for the position of punong barangay against their respective opponents in the October 30, 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) here and in Brgy. Madulano in Pres. Roxas, Capiz.

Richard Arrojado of Brgy. Libas here and Joel Capao of Brgy. Madulano filed the petitions for recount recently with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Arrojado lost by 8 votes in his reelection bid against lone opponent Jobby Nalica, while Capao lost in the drawing of lots against Everado Cercado in Brgy. Madulano.

According to Arrojado, he did not want to file the petition, but it was his constituents in Brgy. Libas who wanted the recount.

Meanwhile, the local Municipal Trial Court ordered the treasurer and the election officer of Roxas City and Pres. Roxas, respectively, to secure the ballots, ballot boxes, list of ballots, voting records, book of voters, and other documents and paraphernalia needed for the recount.

Lawyer Wil Arceño, Capiz provincial election supervisor, said the court will be the one to schedule the recount.