COMELEC Asks Aklan Guv, Allies to Answer Disqualification Case

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has ordered Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores and eight other candidates to respond to disqualification petitions alleging misuse of provincial resources in their election campaigns.

Summons issued by Genesis Gatdula, clerk of the commission, directed the candidates to file a verified answer cum memorandum within five days of receiving the notice from their local election officers.

The candidates, all part of the “Tibyog Aklan” slate, include Gov. Miraflores, his father and former governor Florencio Miraflores, who is running for Aklan’s 2nd District congressional seat, and Balete Mayor Dexter Calizo, who is running for vice governor.

Also named are 1st District Rep. Teodorico Jesus Marquez and 2nd District provincial board candidates Bayani Cordova, Romeo Dalisay, Jupiter Aelred Gallenero, Ricardo Ibarreta Jr., and Plaridel Solidum.

The commission said failure to file the required memorandum would bar the candidates from presenting evidence in their defense for the remainder of the case.

The petitions were filed by Francilito Castro of Buruanga and Neil Fernandez of Batan.

A copy of the petition obtained by Daily Guardian alleged the following violations:

• Use of provincial funds and official letterhead to distribute fuel vouchers to motorcycle riders on March 28 and 29 during the Tibyog Aklan campaign launch;
• Use of provincial government vehicles for campaign activities;
• Mobilization of provincial government employees to participate in campaign events.

Under COMELEC Resolution No. 11104 and Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 (Omnibus Election Code), public officials are prohibited from using government resources for partisan political activity and from delivering any item of value funded by public money.