Comelec division disqualifies Mitra from Palawan race
He lied about his place of residence, commissioners say
MANILA, Philippines--The first division of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday disqualified Abraham Kahlil Mitra from the gubernatorial race in Palawan for falsely stating his place of residence.
The commissioners sided with petitioners San Vicente Mayor Antonio Gonzales and businessman Jose Chavez Alvarez, who claimed that Mitra is known to be based in Puerto Princesa City, but claimed in his certificate of cadidacy that he lives in the town of Aborlan.
The petitioners claimed that Mitra's residence in the provincial capital disqualifies him to run for governorship. Puerto Princesa City is a highly urbanized city, and its residents do not vote for provincial candidates. Alvarez, the petitioner, is running against Mitra for governor.
Mitra earlier claimed that he has been residing at the Maligaya Feed Mill in Aborlan since 2008, as his house in the area is still under construction. He presented photos to the poll body showing his room located on the second floor of the warehouse.
But the poll body expressed doubts over the images. "This small room could have served as Mitra's resting area whenever he visited the said locality but nothing more," the resolution stated.
The resolution also stated that the petitioners submitted affidavits and statements from residents of Aborlan, saying that they have never seen Mitra in the area, and that the place where Mitra supposedly resides is "unlivable due to noise and pollution."
"This information make it clear to this Commission that this room is not a home," the resolution stated.
Mitra's lawyer, Sixto Brillantes said the poll body has been targeting Liberal Party politicians. The poll body's second division has unseated Bulacan Governor Joselito Mendoza and Isabela Governor Grace Padaca last year. Brillantes expressed fears that the same division might unseat Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio in a decision expected to be promulgated Thursday.
"Masyado nang namamasacre yung Liberal Party," Brillantes commented.
Padaca herself, however, said in a TV interview that she didn't think the decision to unseat her was meant to persecute the LP. She said efforts to unseat her had been going on even before she joined the LP. (Newsbreak)
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WHO'S BETTER
The COMELEC 1st Division should not have disqualified Cong. Baham Mitra that easy. We are anticipaiting a 2-cornered contest between Cong. Baham Mitra and Mr. Jose C, Alvarez to see who is the better statesman between the two. Sayang at least we should have seen the results of the election so that people will be satisfied on the results of the election rather that without a contest at all. I hope that the COMELEC will review the issues and decide on the merit of the case. Palawan deserves a governor elected by the majority of the people.
LET'S WAIT AND SEE
We can't believe that Cong. Baham Mitra will be disqualified that easy. We will see until the COMELEC reviews the issues again.
And to Mr. "Toink" kung hindi ka man lang taga-Palawan wag ka na makialam dito hindi ka naman directly affected nito. Its good for Mr. "Toink" just be a spectator.
TALSIK SI MITRA!!!
IYAN ANG NAPAPALA NG MGA FORMER PRO-ARROYO CONGRESSMAN NA MGA ANTI-IMPEACHMENT. AYAW NA SA INYO NG TAUMBAYAN. PAMILYA MITRA PAHINOG KA NA LANG NG BUKOL MO AT TAPOS NA POLITIKA MO SA PALAWAN.