News Briefs: February 8, 2019

Comelec: Legarda can run for Congress in Antique

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed the disqualification cases against Sen. Loren Legarda in connection with her residency. “The commission finds that Legarda did not misrepresent in her COC (certificate of candidacy) her period of residence in Antique,” the Comelec’s Second Division said in its decision. Former Gov. Exequiel Javier and a certain Robin Rubinor had filed separate cases against Legarda. They earlier asked the Comelec to reject her COC, saying she is a “stranger” in the province. Both Legarda and Javier are eyeing Antique’s lone congressional seat in the May midterm elections. According to the Comelec, the petitioners failed to present competent proof despite having the burden of proving their claim that Legarda has no actual presence at Barangay Mag-aba, Pandan, Antique.  —TINA G. SANTOS

NPA surrenderees included in next round of land distribution

Communist rebels who surrender to the government now have a shot at owning a piece of land as agrarian reform beneficiaries. President Duterte said he wanted to include surrenderees of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the land distribution under the government’s agrarian reform program. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said this was one of several issues discussed in the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday at Malacañang. “The President directed the inclusion of NPA surrenderees in the next round of land distribution,” he said.  —JULIE M. AURELIO