Ecija governor denies harassing rival

CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines – Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali yesterday denied allegations that he harassed his rival in the 2016 election.

The allegastions came after Umali's supporter filed a disqualification case against businesswoman Rosanna Vergara for being an American citizen.

Umali has dared Vergara, wife of Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara, to show her passport.

“I am not a vindictive person. Just let her face and answer the accusations and show her passport,” Umali said.

Vergara, who is running against Umali in the third district congressional race, cried harassment after a disqualification case was filed against her before the Commission on Elections in Manila.

The case was filed by Philip Piccio, a voter of Barangay Kapitan Pepe Subdivision in this city and an ally of Umali.

The petition sought to declare Vergara ineligible in the 2016 elections and delete her name from the list of candidates in the third district.

Piccio said he filed the petition after Vergara indicated in her certificate of candidacy that she is a registered voter of Barangay Rizdelis in this city.

He said Vergara holds an American passport, citing her travel records.

Vergara said Piccio has an ax to grind against her because in 2013, she filed nine counts of libel against him.