Former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos . INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified brothers Romeo and Dominador Jalosjos and boxing promoter Rex Ong Salud from running in the May 2013 elections.
Through three separate en banc resolutions promulgated Tuesday, Comelec has cancelled the certificates of candidacy of the three and has removed their names from the official ballot that will be used in the upcoming elections.
Romeo Jalosjos, who was previously convicted of statutory rape with the penalty of reclusion perpetua and permanent disqualification from voting, had filed a certificate of candidacy for the position of mayor of Zamboanga city.
Being an unregistered voter, he does not meet the qualifications required of all candidates, the resolutions stated.
He had earlier filed a petition to be included in the list of voters before the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court (RTC) but it was dismissed for lack of merit.
“As a result of non-inclusion in the list of voters of precinct no. 1465-A, second district of Zamboanga City, Romeo G. Jalosjos’ Certificate of Candidacy as Mayor of Zamboanga City in the May 13, 2013 national and local elections should likewise be cancelled,” the resolution said.
Dominador Jalosjos’ certificate of candidacy as governor of Zamboanga del Sur was also cancelled after the Cebu City RTC had convicted him of robbery.
The Comelec resolution cited an order from the Supreme Court to cancel Dominador’s certificate of candidacy moto proprio.
“The final judgement of conviction is notice to the Comelec of the disqualification of the convict from running for public office,” the resolution said.
Meanwhile, Rex Ong Salud’s certificate of candidacy for the position of mayor of Cordova, Cebu was cancelled on the basis of his not being able to comply with the residency requirement to be a registered voter.
“[To comply] with the residency requirement … actual presence in the district on intends to represent must satisfy the length of time prescribed by [law]. Rex Ong Salud’s failure to do so rendered [his appeal] unmeritous,” the Comelec resolution said citing the decision of Mandaue City RTC.
“As a results of the denial of [Salud’s petition his] certificate of candidacy … should likewise be cancelled,” the resolution said.