BACOLOD CITY, Negroe Occidental, Philippines — Questions over the win of Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo over former Mayor Evelio Leonardia will finally put to rest with the latest decision of the Commission on Election denying the motion for consideration that the latter filed against the former, Spokesman to the Mayor, Lawyer Caesar Distrito said.
Distrito gave the statement after the COMELEC en banc denied the MR of Leonardia citing “insufficient in forms and substance (sic), failure to substantiate & specify their allegations of irregularity, and everything were purely general statements (sic).”
The COMELEC, in its decision furnished to the local press, cited insufficiency “in form and content” as a primary factor in denying the MR.
The decision also said Leonardia’s claims were “too broad, too general and highly speculative” with not a single affidavit nor object evidence presented.
The COMELEC added that claims of vote-buying, threat and intimidation and fake voters “are averments that need to be proven, not just alleged”.
Distrito said the denial of the MR “will now put to rest any doubts to the victory of Mayor Albee Benitez” and that Benitez clearly and convincingly with a margin of 64,446 votes.
