Caloocan poll winners set to be proclaimed

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has issued an order for the City Board of Canvassers of Caloocan City to immediately proclaim all the remaining winners in the Caloocan City local elections, including Officer-in-Charge Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo.

The order was signed by Comelec Chairman Aflredo Benipayo, and Commissioners Rufino Javier, Ralph Lantion, Resurreccion Borra, and Florentino Tuason Jr.

Commissioner Mehol Sadain signed "no part," while Commissioner Luzviminda Tancangco was "absent."

Tancangco again questioned the order, saying the case of Caloocan should have been re-raffled to another ponente and should have been voted on again.

"It appearing that counsel for the petitioner as well as counsel for respondent, Malonzo et al., have been notified of the decision of the Commission on Aug. 17 and 18, 2001, respectively, and there being no restraining order or injunction from the Supreme Court and in conformity with Rules of the Commission, the City Board of Canvassers of Caloocan City is hereby ordered to reconvene with notice to all parties and to proclaim the winning candidates in the May 14, 2001 congressional and local elections," said the Comelec en banc. – Sandy Araneta