Sun.Star: Charges loom vs Bogo officials over fake ERs

Following the Commission on Elections (Comelec)'s findings that 15 election returns (ERs) there were manufactured, charges are now being lined up against poll and local government officials in Bogo City in Cebu. Sun.Star Cebu reported Friday that congressional bet Benhur Salimbangon will file charges against all those involved in "manufacturing" the 15 ERs. He plans to sue municipal treasurer Rhett Menguez, election officer Jose Menguez and assistant election officer Mylene Pitogo. Salimbangon noted that election forms are supposed to be received by the treasurer, alleging that for years, these officials have been manipulating the election returns in Bogo. As this developed, the police in Cebu's fourth district are preparing for possible political tension due to the impending canvassing of votes in Manila. Senior Superintendent Carmelo Valmoria, Cebu provincial police director, said a standby force is in place at their headquarters. "As of the moment, we do not see any problems because the venue is in Manila. But we anticipate repercussions as an offshoot of the canvassing and possibly the proclamation," Valmoria said. Valmoria was one of those who recommended that the canvassing and proclamation be done in Manila and not in Cebu, saying their experience the last time was too chaotic. Salimbangon said he was vindicated after the Second Division of the Comelec ruled that the 15 remaining ERs were "spurious and manufactured." Among the evidence the Comelec cited in its resolution were affidavits gathered from teachers who served as election inspectors last May 14. They said that the certificates of votes given to Salimbangon's watchers were accurate. The Salimbangon camp has consistently said that some of the ERs were fake. Salimbangon said he had no objections to the Comelec's order to conduct the canvassing of votes in Manila. For its part, the camp of rival congressional candidate Celestino Martinez III is still confident of winning. Lawyer Inocencio dela Serna said he and his client already filed a petition before the commission, where they asked that the almost 10,000 stray ballots be counted in favor of Martinez. They filed the petition after the commission ruled that another candidate, Edilito Martinez, was not qualified for the province’s fourth district congressional seat. Dela Serna also said they will file a petition for certiorari, injunction and mandamus before the Supreme Court, after the Second Division ordered for the canvassing to resume, using other authentic documents. Earlier, supporters of Salimbangon and Martinez occupied the street outside the Comelec regional office, after canvassing was transferred from the provincial capitol building. Before that, the canvassing was held at the municipal hall in Bogo, but was transferred to the provincial capitol two days after the election because of the tension. - GMANews.TV