Tuburan, Cordova ‘violence’ still needs validation

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) only puts a town under its control once violence and armed threats are established. This was according to lawyer Ferdinand Gujilde of the Comelec Cebu Province in reaction to the situation in Tuburan and Cordova. Earlier, former Tuburan mayor, Rosemarie Suezo, said she wants her town placed under Comelec control as the situation in the place has worsened because of “violence and harassments.” In Cordova, a mayoral candidate alleged that they received threats. “Granting that this happened, it has to be evaluated and validated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Comelec,” he said. Gujilde said their office has not received any official report about the situation in Tuburan and Cordova. Guijilde explained that putting a town under Comelec control has its advantages and disadvantages. “The advantage is to prevent further violence and to make sure that the election will be conducted or to avoid failure of election. However, for the disadvantages, it gives a bad image of the town and tourism,” he said. Gujilde said he does not see any violence in Cordova. “I don’t see any political rivalry in the town,” he said adding that the situation in the entire Cebu Province remains manageable. Bogo City and Barangay Punta Engaño in Lapu-lapu City remain as areas of concern due to violence during past elections. Meanwhile, Gujilde said candidates are not allowed to stay in the polling places except when they are there to vote. The Board of Election Inspector (BEI) can direct the PNP to escort the candidate away from the polling place if one insists on staying. Also, the candidates cannot personally ask for a copy of the election returns, only their watchers. Gujilde also welcomes the decision of Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes not to quit from his post. He said if Brillantes resigned, the momentum of reforms in the Comelec will be stopped.