Benhur files poll fraud raps for incident three years ago

CEBU, Philippines - It’s less than two months away from the May 10 elections, but the battle for the seat of the representative of the 4th District of Cebu in 2007 continues.

Cebu 4th District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon filed a complaint of electoral sabotage against former Bogo Mayor Celestino “Tining” Martinez III and two other officials of the town before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor the other day.

Those who were included in the complaint were Jose Menguez, Bogo election officer, and Rhett Menguez, Bogo municipal treasurer.

Salimbangon alleged in his affidavit-complaint were in connivance to commit acts constituting several election offenses and irregularities to favor Martinez.

Martinez against Salimbangon during the 2007 elections and was even recently declared winner of such poll contest.

Jose and Rhett Menguez were among the three members of the board of canvassers tasked to canvass the election returns of the said town.

Salimbangon said in his 22-page affidavit that it is very apparent that the board never intended to comply with the 36-hour requirement to canvass the returns pursuant to Section 32 of Comelec Resolution no. 7859. 

Salimbangon cited several instances as to the alleged apparent irregularities committed by the board such as the manifestation of his poll watchers, who were made to leave the session hall where the election returns were placed.

Salimbangon further cited that from 10 p.m. of May 14, 2007 to 4 a.m. of May 15, 2007 the board convened and started the canvassing wherein only 21 election returns were canvassed.

However, due to some commotion outside the canvassing area, the canvassing was suspended and the area was closed and only Rhett Menguez had custody if the key of the said room.

Salimbangon added that at Jose Menguez unilaterally removed the congressman’s watchers from the canvassing area while the watchers of Martinez were allowed to stay.

Salimbangon further cited that the two Menguez men arrived last during the second day of the canvassing and Rhett was even seen at the office of Martinez.

On May 16, 2007 canvassing, both Menguez failed to show up the whole day at the canvassing area, which was closed and could not be opened.

“From their actions or inactions, however it would not require much of an effort to determine that the same was a pre-conceived plan on the part of the two Menquez, in conspiracy and connivance with Martinez to delay the canvassing proceedings in order to achieve a grand design of substituting the election returns with manufactured or spurious ones and/or to later the results of the elections,” the affidavit-complaint read.

Salimbangon also said that it is very surprising that Martinez’s father, Junie knew that the canvassing will be continued at the Capitol Building in Cebu City and knew that both Menguez will not show up on May 16, 2007 canvassing.

On the same day, Salimbangon learned that it was the instance of Martinez that the canvassing was transferred and at around 5 p.m. on the same day, the ballot boxes containing the election returns were transported and escorted by heavily armed military men as well as watchers from both camps.

The former board was already relieved of their duties and responsibilities and a new board was convened. But to Salimbangon’s surprise, Rhett appeared at the new venue and was seen roaming around the area either talking with the Martinezes camps, among others. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/NLQ   (FREEMAN NEWS)