NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A mayor in Negros Occidental is facing a disqualification complaint following his attendance at a pension payout event for indigent senior citizens in late April.
Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara was slapped with the complaint on Tuesday, May 6, before the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The complaint pertains to alleged abuse of state resources.
The complaint was filed by Tabujara’s lone opponent, engineer and real estate developer Jurry Nabaja, who, along with three witnesses, submitted the complaint to the Comelec-Negros Occidental provincial office on May 6. The case was subsequently referred to the Committee Kontra Bigay.
Nabaja and his witnesses, armed with sworn affidavits, claimed Tabujara – who is seeking reelection for his third and final term – delivered a speech during the senior citizens’ pension payout at the town’s Art Center in Barangay Poblacion, Cauayan, on April 29.
Nabaja said Tabujara’s actions violated the provisions in the Omnibus Election Code and Comelec Resolution No. 11104, which prohibits the presence of any elected official during the release or distribution of government assistance to beneficiaries during the election period.
Nabaja also cited a Comelec memorandum which exempted the social pension for seniors from the election ban but still prohibited elective officials from attending distribution activities between March 28 and May 12.
Tabujara, for his part, admitted to being present at the event but denied violating election rules. He said he merely delivered a speech and then left prior to the distribution.
He dismissed Nabaja’s complaint as a “desperate move” by his rival.
“Definitely, I’ll face the case, or whatever it is,” Tabujara added.
Comelec-Negros Island Region Assistant Regional Director Jossil Macute said the Committee Kontra Bigay will review the evidence regarding the disqualification complaint.
On the same day, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia issued a statement confirming that the Commission is considering suspending the proclamation of candidates with pending disqualification cases, even if they win in the elections.
The Comelec said the number of disqualification cases at the Comelec’s Manila office has surpassed 400. – Rappler.com
