Compostela recount postponed

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Provincial Office announced that the re-count for Compostela’s votes, which was initially scheduled for July 14, has been postponed indefinitely.

With this, Mayor-elect Joel Quiño said the Comelec is “making things worst for Compostela.” 

Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano told The Freeman they have not received the necessary “rules of canvassing” for Compostela.

“Di madayon ang recount kay wa paman ang guidelines sa canvassing nga kinahangalan namo,” Castillano said. (We couldn’t go on without the guidelines for canvassing. We need that.)

But for Quiño the Comelec should honor their initial schedule as the “people of Compostela want the truth.” 

“Di ni nila angay dugay-dugayon, daghan na ang nag huwat. Ang mga tawo sa Compostela nag dahom na nga by July 14 or 15 naa na silay mayor. Mag huwat nasad sila nga naa nasad magwelga sa Compostela?” he said. (They should act quickly on this because a lot of people are waiting. Many thought we would already have a mayor by July 14 or 15. Do they want another rally to take place?)

 He said he will for call an emergency meeting to discuss what they will do following the postponement of re-canvassing.

According to Cas-tillano, he forwarded their request for guidelines two weeks ago to Comelec Manila. Comelec decisions should be executed within 30 days after promulgation.

In Castillano’s letter, he asked Comelec Deputy Executive Director for Operations Bartolome Sino-Cruz Jr. when they would receive the resolution from Manila.

The resolution that the Comelec-7 is waiting contains the order to reconvene and set the necessary guidelines for canvassing, which is different from the March 2011 automated elections.

Comelec-7 can schedule the re-canvassing of votes two days after receiving the resolution. They are yet to determine the members of the Municipal Board of Canvassers.

Castillano is asking Compostela residents to be patient.

Castillano is coordinating with Cebu Provincial Police Chief Patrocinio Comendador Jr. who has yet to submit his recommendation for the peace and order situation in the town.

Comelec-7 would determine whether there would a need to transfer the canvassing out of the town’s social hall.

Quiño previously announced that he will file a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court on the Comelec 2nd Division’s decision to nullify their proclamation.

It was former mayor Ritchie Wagas who filed the protest against the election results after he lost to Quiño.

Other officials affected by the decision are Compostela Vice Mayor-elect Maria Antoinette Dangoy and Councilors-elect Josephine Abing, Joy Ann Cabatingan, Alberto Cabatingan,Tessa Cang, Wilfredo Calo, Homer Canen, Jose Cagang and Francisco Oliverio. – (FREEMAN)