Comelec Denies Motion for Reconsideration on Vote-Buying Case
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has rejected the motion for reconsideration filed by Matt Erwin Florido, the candidate for Quezon province’s third district representative. This confirms his disqualification from the midterm elections due to allegations of vote-buying.
In a detailed seven-page resolution released on May 9, the Comelec en banc stated it found “no cogent reason to revise, much less reverse” the earlier ruling by the poll body’s First Division. As a result, Florido’s disqualification stands.
Comelec Cites Lack of New Evidence
“The respondent failed to present any new argument or fresh evidence that the First Division has not already considered,” the Comelec said. Therefore, the commission en banc saw no reason to change its previous decision.
The case began when petitioners from Buenavista town claimed they were invited to an event organized by Florido in Catanauan on April 5 and 6. They alleged that free transportation and meals were provided during the gathering.
Vote-Buying Allegations and Responses
Furthermore, the petitioners said they each received P1,000. However, Florido, who is also the mayor of General Luna, denied these accusations in his motion for reconsideration filed on May 5. He explained that the P1,000 was a cash advance intended to cover operational expenses related to their duties in Buenavista, Quezon.
On the other hand, the petitioners maintained in their opposition filed on May 6 that Florido failed to prove that the April 6 event was a legitimate volunteer orientation.
En Banc Affirms Earlier Decision
The Comelec en banc highlighted that Florido did not bring any new arguments to challenge the previous ruling. “Since the respondent merely repeated his earlier claims without introducing substantial new points, the commission finds no reason to overturn the Assailed Resolution,” it added.
Thus, the disqualification due to vote-buying allegations remains final, barring Florido from running in the upcoming elections.
