BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reinstated a barangay captain in Cauayan, Negros Occidental who was ousted over questions on his residency.
The entire poll body reversed the decision of its First Division that annulled the proclamation of Ernie Magbanua for lack of merit.
Sergio Esmores Jr. sought Magbanua’s disqualification, saying he is not a resident of Barangay Poblacion and did not comply with the residency requirement.
“The Comelec en banc finds that respondent presented substantial evidence to show that he was validly domiciled in and is resident of Barangay Poblacion,” the resolution stated, citing Magbanua’s birth and baptismal certificates, school records and other documents of identity that he presented.