Comelec junks disqualification case vs La Union mayor

AGOO, La Union, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed the disqualification cases filed against Mayor Sandra Eriguel and her daughter Stefanie Ann over their citizenship for lack of jurisdiction.

Eriguel won as representative of the second district of La Union while Stefanie Ann was proclaimed as mayor of Agoo.

Pedro Lovino and Ricardo Aromin filed the petition, saying Eriguel is not a natural-born Filipino.

“The commission has no authority to resolve the issue on Eriguel’s status as a natural-born citizen, “ read the ruling of the first division of the poll body chaired by Commissioner Christian Robert Lim.

Meanwhile, the Comelec second division junked the disqualification case filed against Stefanie Ann, saying the petitioner, a certain Reina Laroya, failed to show proof that she is not a resident of Agoo.

“The commission has no other recourse but to dismiss the petition for prematurity and lack of jurisdiction,” the ruling of the Comelec division chaired by Commissioner Al Parreño stated.