PB asks Comelec to act on Compostela

CEBU, Philippines - For the second time around, the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has made an appeal to central office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to resolve immediately “the long-delayed electoral controversy in Compostela town.”

This time, the appeal is addressed to the newly confirmed Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes. The first one was addressed to then Comelec chairman Jose Melo.

The first request was made exactly a year ago when PB Member Thaddeus “Jude” Durano Sybico sponsored a resolution that was endorsed to Melo last October 2010.

The Municipal Government of Compostela has been handled by the Department of Interior and Local Government since July 2010 because the elected officials were barred from assuming post due to the electoral protest filed by defeated mayoral candidate Ritchie Wagas.

Sybico, in another resolution passed last Monday, said the suspension order issued by former Comelec Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer against the winning candidates has taken its toll on the town.

He cited the town’s lack of funds for the delivery of basic services and to maintain its infrastructure.

“The administration of a local government by a caretaker rather than an elected mayor is an anomaly under a democratic and republican form of government,” Sybico said.

Wagas alleged that irregularities marred the elections, resulting in the suspension of the proclamation of the winning candidates - Joel Quiño and his slate.

Sybico in his first resolution said that the political scenario in the Municipality of Compostela cannot be left to the hands of luck or fate but must be addressed with a more drastic solution.

He said the Comelec, which is vested with the primary responsibility of settling election disputes, must “expeditiously and judiciously” address the matter.

DILG-7 Director Pedro Noval continues to sit as town mayor in a temporary capacity although he already received a directive from DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo for his transfer to Region 8.

Noval said earlier that while DILG ordered his transfer to another region, DILG must also appoint somebody to replace him as caretaker mayor of Compostela before he can leave. — (FREEMAN)