CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City North District Councilor Sisinio Andales is planning to contest the ruling of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division disqualifying him from seeking another term in the council.
Andales, in a phone interview with Cebu Daily News Digital, said he would file a motion for reconsideration in the hopes of reversing the decision of the Comelec- Second Division in Metro Manila.
“This (ruling) is not yet final and executory. We will file a motion for reconsideration. And in the event our motion will be denied, I will raise the matter to Comelec en banc,” he said.
Andales is the second Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) – allied councilor seeking for reelection whose candidacy was revoked.
READ MORE: Comelec disqualifies BOPK’s Sisinio Andales
The other one was Alvin Arcilla, also a councilor representing the city’s North District.
Both Andales and Arcilla were accused by a certain Allen Canoy from Barangay Apas, Cebu City on seeking a “fourth term” in office, which is against the law.
READ MORE: Comelec bars Cebu City Councillor Arcilla from seeking fresh term
Canoy pointed out in his petition that the suspension meted against the two BOPK councilors in 2016 did not interrupt their terms.
He added that the suspension was not permanent because “no vacancy exists and there is the absence of permanent replacements.”
READ MORE: Petition seeks disqualification of Andales, Arcilla
On the other hand, Andales said the ruling from Comelec – Second Division would not stop him from campaigning especially that tomorrow, Friday (March 29), would be the first day of the local campaign period.
“I am confident that this (decision) will not deter the same vigor and vitality we will be bringing throughout our campaign,” Andales said./dbs
READ RELATED STORY: Disqualification case: Comelec says Arcilla can still campaign in Cebu City’s North District