Actor's application to transfer voter's registration denied

MALOLOS CITY, Philippines  – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disapproved the application of actor Philip Salvador for the transfer of his voter’s registration to Pandi town in Bulacan.

In a three-page resolution, the Election Registration Board (ERB) said the structure, which Salvador claims to be his residence, is not yet livable. 

The ERB is composed of election officer Ma. Victoria Parulan, municipal civil registrar Estelita de Castro, and Angelita Baltazar, district supervisor of the Department of Education.

The board issued the resolution last Aug. 24 after residents Romeo Capiral and Marcellano Mendoza separately opposed Salvador’s application for transfer of voter’s registration last Aug. 2.

Two others, Romy Mesina and Richard Loveranes, similarly opposed Salvador’s application on Aug. 13 with a motion for urgent ocular inspection of the actor’s supposed residence. 

During verification, the ERB found out that the premises are owned by the Planters Development Bank, as established by the tax declaration of real property submitted by those opposing Salvador’s bid.

In its resolution, the ERB said Salvador did not submit any proof of ownership or even the right to occupy the property.

It noted the argument of Salvador’s legal counsel that the structure is still being renovated. 

But the ERB doubted this, saying the structure at No. 54, Santisima St., Barangay Bagong Barrio, Pandi town is not even halfway its construction. 

The ERB required Salvador and his legal counsel to submit their position paper on or before Aug. 24 but they failed to do so.

The board said Salvador’s claim that he has resided in the Pandi address for at least six months was a “misrepresentation.” 

It said it was “unanimous” in concluding that the structure “is not yet livable” since it still lacks a roof, walls, bathrooms, and even sleeping quarters.

“There are no sanitary and plumbing fixtures, no water supply line and fixtures and no electrical lines and fixtures. It is obvious that the respondent did not live there and he is not residing there at this time,” it said.