Candidate wins top councilor post in Nueva Vizcaya town via coin toss

A rare electoral tie for the top councilor position in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, was resolved by flipping a coin rather than holding a recount.

In a ''24 Oras'' report, Clifford Tito and Thomas Dave Santos both received 13,451 votes in the May 12 midterm elections, resulting in a tie for the top position among the elected municipal councilors.

To break the tie, the Municipal Board of Canvassers (MBOC) conducted a coin toss.

This was permitted by Section 240 of the Omnibus Election Code, which allows for games of chance like drawing lots or tossing a coin to break ties among candidates who received the same number of votes.

With both candidates agreeing to the method, the toss was held under the supervision of election officials—and in the end, Santos emerged victorious, securing the number one spot.

The distinction of being ranked first holds significance.

Under the Local Government Code, the highest-ranking sanggunian (council) member may be called upon to temporarily assume higher office in case the governor, vice governor, mayor, or vice mayor are unable to fulfill their duties. — Sherylin Untalan/VBL, GMA Integrated News

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