CDN Digital photo | Tonee Despojo
Cebu City, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division dismissed the candidacy of Cebu City North District Councilor Sisinio Andales.
In a four-page resolution, the Comelec-Second Division in Metro Manila ruled that Andales has already served the maximum three-year term as member of the city council, representing the city’s north district.
“Let the Certificate of Candidacy of Respondent Sisinio Andales be denied due course and cancelled,” portion of the resolution stated.
The ruling was signed by Presiding Commissioner Luie Tito Guia, and commissioners Socorro Intong, and Antonio Kho Jr.
Read more: Comelec bars Cebu City Councilor Arcilla from seeking fresh term
It was promulgated last March 21, 2019, six days after Comelec-First Division promulgated a similar case on Cebu City North District Councilor Alvin Arcilla.
Both Andales and Arcilla are allied with Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña under the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).
A certain Allen Canoy from Barangay Apas, Cebu City lodged a petition before the Comelec requesting to revoke the candidacy of Arcilla and Andales.
Canoy claimed the two BOPK-allied councilors are seeking a fourth term in office, which is against the law.
Canoy, in his petition, said when Andales and Arcilla were suspended in 2016, the suspension was not permanent because “no vacancy exists and there is the absence of permanent replacements.” /bmjo