SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
CALBAYOG CITY, Philippines – A regional trial court here on Monday, May 6, ordered two members of the expanding Tan political dynasty excluded from the voters’ list as they are not bona fide voters in their registered election areas. The ruling effectively disqualifies them from their respective races.
READ: The Tans of Samar: Expanding a dynasty
Arnold Vasquez Tan is running for congressman of the 1st district of Samar, while Angelie Tan is running for mayor of Calbayog City.
Arnold is the brother-in-law while Angelie is the daughter of Milagrosa Tan, the re-electionist congresswoman of the 2nd district and matriarch of the Tan family.
The decision of Branch 31 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) comes after a Petition of Exclusion was filed against Tan by one Carlito Senolos around 10 days ago. The issue of residency was raised in the petition, with the court eventually declaring Arnold Tan as a resident of District 2.
According to Atty Fidel C. Amacna, OIC City Election Officer (Comelec): “They are excluded from voting in their respective precinct. This will mean that they can’t vote in the district and are disqualified as candidates.”
The removal of the Tans from the voters’ list is immediately executory, according to Section 143(g) of the Omnibus Election Code. But Amacna said the decision will be executed if the respondents do not file a temporary restraining order (TRO) with the Supreme Court within 15 days.
Amacna added that Tan can still vote in District 1 on election day. “For now, the Tan camp can file a motion for reconsideration, go to the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court, which can make things longer.”
Section 143(g) of the Omnibus election code stipulates that:
“These applications shall be heard and decided without delay. The decision shall be rendered within six hours after the hearing and within ten days from the date of its filing in court. Cases appealed to the regional trial court shall be decided within ten days from receipt of the appeal in the office of the clerk of court. In any case, the court shall decide these petitions not later than the day before the election and the decision rendered thereon shall be immediately final and executory, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 138 on the finality of decisions.”
The camp of Cong. Sarmiento has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
A photo of the court decision was posted on the Facebook page of Sarmiento of the Liberal Party.
The province of Samar is divided in two districts, with over 400,000 voters. The Tan family has been in power in Samar for more than a decade.
Samar’s 1st District has a voting population of 212,356. The district has 3 bets vying for the congressional seat: Sarmiento, Tan, and Antolin Rosales Tan II. – with reports from Bonn Troy Boñola/Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.