Salud charged with perjury

CEBU, Philippines - Boxing promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud was charged with perjury before the Municipal Circuit Trial Court for claiming to be a resident of Cordova and applied for transfer of his voter’s registration last March.

Cordova police chief Alvin Balio, acting as prosecutor, found probable cause to indict Salud of the crime based on the complaint filed by Vicente Dinoy. Balio has recommended P4,000 bail for Salud’s temporary liberty.

The case stemmed from Salud’s swearing before Cordova election officer Arvin Maghanoy on March 29, 2012 when he applied for transfer of his registration.

Salud, in his affidavit, claimed to be a resident of Barangay Cogon, Cordova for nine months during his application for transfer. Salud who is reportedly eyeing the mayoralty post in 2013 elections is currently a registered voter of Barangay Punta Princesa, Cebu City.

Dinoy, 44, a resident of Cogon, Cordova, filed his opposition to Salud’s application for transfer on the ground that the latter is not a resident of their barangay.

Two members of the Cogon barangay council, Lorna Nuñez-Cañete and Asela Manayon, also certified that Salud is not a resident of their barangay.

In his position paper, Salud through counsel, Magnificus Cañete, contended that while he is new in Cordova, his intention to reside has been manifested by renting a house and lot located in Cogon which is owned by Marcosa Dinoy since June 2011 up to present.

Marcosa, in her affidavit, stated that Salud for several times has been to the said house which he is renting at P1,500 per month. Salud has used the house as his residence in Cordova.

A Contract of Lease between Salud and Marcosa Dinoy was subscribed on April 23, 2012 before notary public Vicente Gonzalez.

Cordova municipal assessor Engr. Nazario Sumalinog Jr., however, certified that Marcosa is not and has never been the declared owner of Lot No. 1198 specified in the contract.

The Election Registration Board (ERB) of Cordova has denied Salud’s application for transfer on April 26 based on the opposition.. (FREEMAN)