Witnesses: Elections were clean but Reluya is optimistic in her protest

CEBU, Philippines – The former mayor of San Fernando town is optimistic that she will be victorious in the election protest she filed against the town's incumbent mayor.

Lakambini Reluya lost her second bid to hold the town's mayorship post to Antonio Canoy during the May 10, 2010 national and local elections.

Reluya, who attended the hearing yesterday, said she still believes in the justice system, a reason why she filed the election protest.

Reluya lost to Canoy by 1,255 votes. Canoy is a three-term mayor of the town. When Canoy's term ended in 2007, his wife ran for mayor but lost to Reluya.

During the continuation of the presentation of evidence for Canoy's camp, two witnesses testified that the conduct of elections in precincts 16 and 44 in San Fernando was "honest, peaceful and orderly," contrary to Reluya's claims.

Evaniza Genilla, chairman of the Board of Election Inspectors for clustered precincts number 16, said she received no complaints or reports of irregularities.

Another witness, Sheila Canoy, the former barangay captain of Tanañas, supported Genilla's testimony.

Canoy is scheduled to present four more witnesses on December 13. (FREEMAN)