Assumption of winning village chief in Dumarao uncertain

By Felipe V Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A punong barangay who was recently proclaimed winner in the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) could not assume office for now due to a petition filed against him by his opponent.

The assumption into office by Efren Perez Aliperio as village chief of Barangay Lawaan in Dumarao, Capiz remains uncertain after his opponent Vicente Arnold Sotillo questioned his qualification to seek public office due to a previous criminal case conviction in the 1990s.

According to Dumarao Mayor Mateo Hachuela, the petition is presently pending with the Commission on Election (Comelec).

Earlier, the Comelec issued a memorandum order not to proclaim winning candidates with pending cases.

It was learned that Aliperio was implicated in a robbery case which the court has upheld.

Bryan Mercado Cabison, the number one elected barangay kagawad, will assume as punong barangay while waiting for the decision of the Comelec central office.