MANILA, Philippines — Comelec upholds Abante’s win as Manila congressman The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday affirmed its earlier decision declaring Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante as the duly elected congressman of the city’s 6th District.
In a 12-page resolution, the Comelec nullified the proclamation of Luis Uy, who received 64,746 votes against Abante’s 63,358.
The Comelec ordered the city Board of Canvassers to proclaim Abante as the duly elected representative of Manila’s 6th District.
While the poll body allowed the proclamation of Abante, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said Uy may still file an appeal before the Supreme Court (SC) or the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal.
Garcia said some technical matters on the ruling need to be resolved, particularly the implication of the SC ruling abandoning the “second placer” rule.
The Comelec will seek clarification as to who will be able to assume the position in case a candidate has been disqualified prior to assuming office.
Abante filed a disqualification complaint against Uy for being a naturalized Filipino.
The poll body denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Uy, stressing that the Comelec’s Second Division did not err in its interpretation of citizenship law and jurisprudence.
“Being a naturalized Filipino citizen, he is not qualified to run for public office,” the Comelec ruled.
Abante said his victory in the congressional race means that the “rule of law” prevails and “truth matters” in public service.
Isko eyes health emergency in Manila
On his first day as returning mayor of Manila, Isko Moreno said yesterday he is considering declaring a state of health emergency amid the city’s garbage collection woes.
“Manila stinks as trash piles up in various areas in the city, posing risks to public health,” Moreno said at a press briefing.
He said garbage remains uncollected in Tondo, Recto Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Bacood street in Sta. Mesa and Maceda street in Sampaloc.
“I will ask the city council to declare a state of health emergency,” Moreno said.
If left uncollected, he said Manila would generate 2,000 metric tons of waste daily.
Moreno sought the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s help in garbage collection.
Meanwhile, Mayor Honey Lacuna thanked her supporters as she concluded her term yesterday.
Source: Comelec upholds Abante’s win as Manila congressman | Philstar.com