Comelec clears Legarda to run for Antique rep

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections allowed Sen. Loren Legarda to run for representative of Antique after dismissing the two disqualification cases filed against her.

In a resolution, the Comelec Second Division said that Legarda did not misrepresent in her certificate of candidacy her period of stay in Antique.

“Evidence shows that she has been able to change her domicile of choice from Potrero, Malabon to Pandan, Antique more than one year prior to the day of the election. No proof was introduced to effectively refute those offered by Legarda to establish her eligibility for the office to which she seeks to be elected,” the resolution said.

The petitions were filed former Antique Vice Gov. Robin Rubinos and former Gov. Exequiel Javier.

The senator—who is running for a House of Representative seat for the lone district of Antique in the 2019 midterm elections—welcomed the decision.

“I have proven several times that I am a resident of Barangay Mag-aba in Pandan and my roots can be traced back to Antique. The Comelec has upheld this through its dismissal of the disqualification case against me,” Legarda said. — Gaea Katreena Cabico