CEBU, Philippines - Incarcerated former Compostela Mayor Gilbert Wagas yesterday filed his Certificate of Candidacy for the 5th district before the provincial Commission on Elections office through his brother incumbent Compostela Mayor Ritchie Wagas.
“My illegal detention in Muntinlupa is a clear evidence that injustice prevailed in our beloved motherland. But despite my incarceration, I am determined to pursue my political struggle,” said Gilbert in his four-page letter shared by his brother.
The letter was written on November 28, in Muntinlupa, where Gilbert is now being jailed for malversation of public funds
“To manifest that prison cell is not an obstacle to continue searching for truth, freedom and justice…I have willingly accepted my fate. Perhaps, my suffering under the pain of illegal detention may inspire others to rise up to work for structural and leadership change not only in my district but the entire Philippine society,” his letter further read.
Even if the Supreme Court has already convicted him of the crime, Comelec provincial chief Lionel Marco Castillano said that only a petition for disqualification can pull him out of the race.
He admitted that they were not given of the copy of the decision yet, although their duty is only “ministerial” in form, hence, it is not they who decide who should be disqualified or not.
And since Gilbert is still in their voter’s list, he is still a bona fide voter of the country, he added.
Meanwhile, Ritchie said that the SC decision is not yet final and executory as they were still able to lodge their motion for reconsideration for it.
Early last month, Gilbert was arrested by virtue of a bench warrant dated July 2, 2003 following his Oct. 8, 2001 conviction for malversation of public funds before the Sandiganbayan.
The former mayor was charged with malversation of P376,618.65 in public funds, by with then Compostela municipal treasurer Dominador Maravillas Jr.
Also yesterday at the Comelec, Oliveros Kintanar, Luna Sabalones, Felipe Concepcion, Edmund Sanchez, Mariano Martinez, Carmiano Kintanar, and Celestino “Tining” Martinez (PB, fourth district) all joined in the political race in their respective areas.
Kintanar is seeking the Provincial Board seat for the 2nd district, Sabalones and Concepcion, 1st district congressional seat; Sanchez, PB for the 6th district; Martinez, PB for the 4th district; Kintanar, PB for the 2nd district and Martinez for PB for the 4th district.
Today is the last filing of COCs and Comelec will be open until midnight. — Liv G. Campo/BRP (FREEMAN NEWS)