The Commission on Elections (Comelec) dealt a major blow to two local bets ahead of the elections.
In Quezon province, congressional candidate and General Luna Mayor Matt Erwin Florido faced disqualification over alleged vote-buying. The Comelec was unconvinced by his explanation about handing out P1,000 and shirts during a gathering, which Florido insists was just a meeting with his campaign team. He said the money given out was an advance loan, to be returned if unused.
“Hindi totoo na namimili ako ng boto. Kailanman ay hindi ko yan gagawin,” Florido declared passionately in a video. Despite the setback, there’s still hope: his name remains on the ballot, and he plans to appeal to the Comelec en banc, even considering a Supreme Court case.
Meanwhile, a twist surfaced in Camarines Sur where gubernatorial candidate Ronald Alarkon Rodriguez saw his Certificate of Candidacy canceled over doubts about his residency. Rodriguez pushed back, presenting documents and certifications from the local barangay captain and kagawad to prove he’s lived there for more than a year—the official requirement.
“‘Yung Kapitan nila nag-isyu sa akin ng certificate of residency… ‘Yung mga delivery receipts, utilities at iba pa, lahat nagpapatunay,” Rodriguez asserted.
With election day nearing, these controversies add a dramatic edge to local political rivalries. Both candidates vow to fight on, turning the spotlight onto Comelec’s tough stance and the sometimes blurry lines of election rules. What’s next for Florido and Rodriguez? The coming days promise more twists in this political drama.
#Disqualified Quezon bet denies vote-buying