Comelec disqualifies 2 Bulacan gubernatorial bets

MALOLOS CITY, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified two gubernatorial candidates in this province, making Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado unopposed in his first re-election bid. 

Elmo Duque, Bulacan election supervisor, told The STAR yesterday he recommended the disqualification of Jaime Almera and Ernesto Balite, who were declared nuisance candidates.

 â€œWe just want to ensure that this year’s elections in Bulacan will be meaningful and will not be mockery of democracy,” Duque said in a telephone interview.

He said he met with Almera, Balite and five other candidates in October  to determine their capability to launch a province-wide campaign. 

Only Alvarado is listed as candidate for governor in this province as shown in the updated website of the Comelec law department. 

“That is the final list and certified list of candidates for the 2013 elections,” Duque said.

However, Duque said the Comelec would still decide on the disqualification case filed by Bulacan first district Rep. Marivic Alvarado against retired police officer Sahiron Dulah Salim.

The congresswoman said Salim ran and lost his bid for governor of Sulu in the 2010 election.