Electoral protest vs congressman dismissed

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines — The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal has dismissed the electoral protest against Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza of the first congressional district.

Daza’s challenger, former congressman Harlin Abayon, claimed in his petition that Daza committed “massive vote-buying” in five municipalities.

But the tribunal ruled in favor of Daza, son of longtime congressman Raul Daza.

The tribunal said that based on the certificate of canvass, Daza obtained a total of 68,578 votes from the contested five towns, including the provincial capital of Catarman, as against the 31,703 votes for Abayon.—Joey Gabieta