3 weeks ago
6
CEBU CITY — A petition for disqualification has been filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against a congressional candidate in Bohol over allegations of vote-buying.
The petition against Rep. Edgardo Migriño Chatto was filed on May 11 by Bohol residents Sylvia Nistal Matiga of Dauis, Vir Joshua Malubay of Calape, and Jose Pizarras Mascariñas of Loon, through their legal counsel, Atty. Mark Dave Josol.
The complainants said envelopes containing P1,000 bills stapled to campaign flyers labeled "1 Chatto Edgar Congressman" were allegedly distributed across multiple barangay in the district on the eve of the election.
The materials reportedly included the verbal message, "Ayaw kalimti si Cong (Don't forget the Congressman)."
The petitioners submitted copies of the campaign materials as annexed evidence, along with sworn affidavits narrating their observations of the alleged incident.
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The complaint cites Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits vote-buying, defining it as the act of giving money or anything of value to influence a person's vote.
Section 68, which disqualifies candidates found guilty of such violations, was also invoked in the petition.
Comelec is expected to review the petition and will determine whether the evidence presented is sufficient to initiate formal disqualification proceedings.
Chatto, a veteran lawmaker and former governor of Bohol, is seeking reelection in the May 12 midterm elections. As of this writing, he has not issued a public response to the allegations.
Chatto is running against Jordan Pizarras and former Tagbilaran City mayor John Geesnell Yap II, who is also facing disqualification case for alleged vote-buying.
