Disqualification Petitions Filed Against Leyte Candidates
Disqualification cases were filed at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on May 8, 2025, against Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez. The petitions target former representative and ex-justice Vicente Sofronio E. Veloso III, and Mayor Bernandino G. Tacoy, both seeking election in Leyte’s fourth district and Matag-ob, respectively, this May 12, 2025.
These petitions allege violations under Section 68 (e) in relation to Section 261 (e) of the Omnibus Election Code. This law prohibits threats, intimidation, terrorism, or other forms of coercion during elections. It states that no person should directly or indirectly threaten or inflict violence to influence the electoral process.
Evidence Includes Threatening Videos
As evidence, Tacoy’s Facebook video with nearly 10,000 views was presented. In it, he warns, “In the election, it doesn’t matter if it comes down to bloodshed, if that’s what you want. But let’s commit to serving the people better. But in the coming election, if you want to take Matag-ob, blood will spill if you provoke me.”
Similarly, a video of Veloso circulating on Facebook shows him saying, “This is what they need to remember, because I am just putting the devil to sleep inside my body. Before I used to go to mass daily. But don’t make any effort to awaken the devil, and if the need arises for me to kill, I will kill.”
Public Fear and Legal Ramifications
These videos have alarmed many residents in Leyte’s 4th district. Furthermore, the actions of Tacoy and Veloso are considered violations of Section 4 (a) of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Due to the gravity of these threats, the public awaits their response to the charges.
With election day fast approaching, these incidents highlight the tensions and risks involved. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as voters prepare to cast their ballots.