Comelec affirms Legazpi mayor’s disqualification

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has affirmed the disqualification of Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal of Legazpi City in Albay for violating the 45-day spending ban in the 2022 elections.

In a decision issued on Thursday, the Comelec en banc upheld a resolution issued by its second division disqualifying Rosal for violation of the Omnibus Election Code.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said the resolution would be final and executory by May 10 unless challenged before the Supreme Court.

Laudiangco said the special board of canvassers of Legazpi City should proclaim second placer Alfredo Garbin Jr. as mayor by May 20.

In its ruling, the poll body said Rosal joined an activity for the payout of cash assistance to tricycle drivers 40 days before election day.

“Rosal was among those who gave the cash assistance, and… it was given in order to influence or induce them to support her candidacy for mayor,” the Comelec said.

The poll body dismissed Rosal’s liability under Section 261 (v) of the election code, noting that she was not a public official when the payout was held.