A losing mayoral candidate in Mabini, Davao de Oro has filed an election protest against the elected mayor over alleged vote buying.

Jammaila Budac, through her legal counsel, Atty. Mark Tolentino, filed the protest before Branch 57 of the Regional Trial Court afternoon on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

The protest filed includes a prayer for the issuance of a precautionary protection order, writ of preliminary injunction with a temporary restraining order (TRO), and damages.

The protest seeks to nullify the proclamation of Emerson Luego as mayor-elect.

Budac’s camp questioned the election results in several precincts, particularly in barangays Cuambog, Tagnanan, Cabuyuan, Libodon, Del Pilar, and Golden Valley.

“Ang basehan nato dinhi ang massive vote buying, violation sa election laws, daghan kaayong flying voters ang mga botante nakaninja buot pasabot dili verified ang ilang pagkatao kung sila ba gyud ang nibotar atong panahon sa eleksyon,” Tolentino said.

Budac’s camp alleged that an election receipt showed Luego’s name even though Budac was supposedly the one voted for, based on accounts of a witness.

“Naay mga intimidation sa mga watchers gipanghadlok ang mga watchers naa pay mga hakot system wa nailhan nga di taga Mabini niabot dinhi para makabotar lang,” Tolentino added.

Budac also alleged that some teachers and police officers were involved in what she described as a “dirty election” in the town.

“Akong gikatingalahan nganong kana ang nahitabo during sa eleksyon pati mga maestra, pulis sila na mismo ang nangunay para mahimong ingon ato kahugaw ang eleksyon sa Mabini. Kabalo ko nga modaog ko kay sa mga ebidensya nga among nakita wala gyud rason nga mapildi mi ug ang katawhan gyud mismo ang mitabang sa ako,” Budac said

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to Luego for comment, as of this writing.