Comelec junks electoral protest against Manila Mayor Lacuna

The Commission on Elections Second Division dismissed the election protest filed by Alexander T. Lopez against incumbent Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.

In the Comelec's October 6, 2022 decision, Lopez's protest was dismissed for being "insufficient in form and content."

"The alleged documented massive acts of vote buying… are also bare assertions uncorroborated by any other proof, whether testimonial or documentary," the decision stated.

"In addition to these unaccounted ballots, several voters declared in their Joint -Affidavits that they voted for the protestant on May 9, 2022 for the position of Manila City Mayor and yet their votes were reflected in the results."

Mayor Lacuna welcomed the ruling, saying she hopes this finally puts the case to rest.

"Furthermore, we are grateful that the Comelec Second Division has also recognized, and ruled accordingly, that these allegations of electoral fraud, irregularities, and anomalies remain just that: allegations that have no actual proof; no evidence has been found to support any of these claims," said Mayor Lacuna-Pangan.

In the May 9, 2022 elections, Lacuna was elected Manila mayor with 538 595 votes, with Lopez receiving 166 908 votes.

On May 23, 2020, Lopez filed an election protest, alleging "electoral fraud, irregularities, and anomalies." — DVM, GMA News