Singer Imelda Papin appeals disqualification from May polls

(Updated 3:20 p.m.) Singer Imelda Papin on Monday asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reconsider the decision of its Second Division disqualifying her from running as representative of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan province in the May 13 elections. The disqualification case was filed by the Arangkada San Joseno Political Party, which claimed that Papin is not a resident of the city.   But in an interview with reporters, Papin, who blamed politics behind the move to disqualify her, said she has proof that she is a resident of San Jose del Monte since 2002.   “Malinaw na malinaw  na matagal na akong nakatira dyan. Meron akong building, meron akong businesses, 'yung soap-making factory, meron akong scholars sa Bulacan State University, board of trustee ako ng Bulacan State University Foundation,” she said as she claimed to have the support of San Jose del Monte officials. ”Overwhelming ang kanilang support.  This is politics. Sa experience ko sa politics, talagang pag malakas ka pilit kang gagawan ng issue,” she added. Papin is running against incumbent Rep. Arthur Robes.   In her 19-page motion for reconsideration, Papin said the Comelec Second Division failed to appreciate the evidence she presented such as pictures of the blessing of her house in the city; certifications that her brother, Jose, and relatives are residents of the city; affidavit of her neighbors; receipts that she paid her taxes and bills in San Jose del Monte.   The motion stated that even though Papin abandoned her residence when she sold her property in 2009 and even when she filed her candidacy for senator in 2010 where she declared her residence in Quezon City, she “can be considered as a returning resident.”   “The respondent had all the sentimental, emotional and financial connection with San Jose del Monte. Her relatives lived there. She had her business there. In fact, she lived there for many years,” the motion stated.   Papin also said the petitioner was not able to present any credible evidence that she is not a resident of San Jose del Monte City.   “Assuming that the respondent cannot be considered as a resident of San Jose del Monte since the year 2000 or 2002, or even assuming further that she ceased to be a resident of San Jose del Monte in 2009, that does not mean that she cannot be considered as a resident of San Jose del Monte by election day,” the motion stated.   Section 117 of the Omnibus Election Code states that a voter must be residing in the city or municipality where he/she proposes to vote for at least six months immediately preceding the election, among others.   In a 10-page resolution, the Comelec Second Division found Papin ineligible to run for public office over questions on her residency in the district she seeks to represent.   “Respondent’s Certificate of Candidacy must be cancelled for making false material representation relating to her residence and for claiming that she is eligible to run for public office,” said the Second Division in its resolution dated January 31, which Papin received on February 5.   “There are not enough proof to show she actually resided in any of the said properties within the period required by law. Respondent may own and lease several properties anywhere she chooses. However, such act alone will not suffice to make her resident of said place for election purposes, in the absence of any overt acts indicative of her intention to consider it as her permanent abode or residence,” said the Comelec decision.   It added that while the decision of the Election Registration Board to approve her transfer of registration record can be honored, it does not automatically qualify her as a candidate for congresswoman.   “It does not involve the residency requirement for eligibility to run for Congresswoman, which requires a residency in the locality for a period of at least one year immediately preceding the election,” said the Second Division. Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said they will deal with Papin’s and other disqualification cases before the start of the campaign period for local candidates on March 29.  “Lahat ng disqualification sa local tatapusin namin before the start of the campaign. We have more than one and half months [to do that],” he said.  — KBK, GMA News