Comelec disqualifies Legazpi mayor over spending ban

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has granted a petition to disqualify Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal of Legazpi City in Albay for violating the 45-day spending ban in the May elections.

In a 19-page decision issued yesterday, the Comelec Second Division said Rosal violated the Omnibus Elections Code, which bans candidates from distributing funds 45 days before election day.

Defeated candidate for councilor Joseph Armogila filed the petition for disqualification against Rosal for releasing cash assistance to tricycle drivers and senior citizens.

In her affidavit, Rosal admitted the cash payouts of P2,000 each, which she claimed stemmed from legitimate programs of the Albay city government.

She said the payouts were not covered by the spending ban as these occurred on March 31 and April 2.

Rosal added that she should not be held accountable since she was only a candidate at the time.

However, the Comelec pointed out that she was a candidate when the payouts were made, adding that she is the wife of the incumbent mayor at the time, Noel Rosal.

The Comelec believes that Rosal benefited from the project of the local government unit (LGU).

The LGU should have filed a petition for the issuance of a certificate of exemption for social welfare projects it intended to implement during a prohibited period, the poll body said.

The Comelec had earlier disqualified Rosal’s husband, who won as Albay governor, over the same cash payouts.

The disqualifications can still be appealed before the Comelec en banc.