Actor’s bid to challenge CamSur clan backed

NAGA CITY—Supporters of actor Aga Muhlach branded as “harassment” the move to block Muhlach’s voter registration in San Jose, Camarines Sur, even as they expressed optimism the Commission on Elections would rule in Muhlach’s favor.

“The suit to deny his (Aga) voter’s application is purely harassment being perpetrated by those who are very much threatened by the challenge he is posing,” said Gov. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte, who admitted he was the first to support Muhlach’s decision to run for congressman in the Partido area or fourth district of the province.

In August, Muhlach was sworn in as  member of the Liberal Party during which he also announced his intention to run against Deputy Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella’s son, Felix Wiliam or “Wimpy.”

Lawyers for the actor, who registered on March 19 in San Jose town, said Muhlach has been residing in a leased house on Rizal Street in Barangay San Juan since August 2011.

Villafuerte said the period of Aga’s residency “is way beyond the six-month legal requirement for one to be qualified as a voter.”

San Jose is one of 10 towns that comprise the fourth district, the others being Caramoan, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Siruma, Tinambac, Goa, Tigaon and Sañgay.

On April 16, a group of political allies of the Deputy Speaker led by former San Jose Mayor Gil Pacamara and 14 petitioners questioned the residency of the actor at the municipal Election Registration Board (ERB), saying Muhlach failed to meet the six-month residency requirement for registration as a voter.

Villafuerte urged the Comelec to finally appoint a chair of the San Jose ERB so that proceedings on Muhlach’s voter’s application could move quickly.

Alexander Marpuri, spokesperson of Comelec Camarines Sur, said that three days before newly appointed San Jose ERB chair Perfecto Llansa and the board’s members could take up the case of Muhlach, Llansa’s appointment as chair was recalled.

Marpuri said they were waiting for the appointment of the ERB chair.