Fugitive mayoral bet in Capiz town still wins

ROXAS CITY—A mayoral candidate who is on the run for a murder case has won against the daughter of the slain Mambusao Vice Mayor Abel Martinez.

Engineer Leodegario Labao Jr. (National Unity Party) got 10,797 votes over Sharon Martinez-Martelino (Liberal Party) who had 6,521 votes.

His other two opponents were Marlon Tupaz who got 189 votes and Edito Lacorte with 45 votes.

Labao’s running mate, Jose Alba, and seven councilors under the NUP won.

Labao, however, cannot be proclaimed because of a pending petition to disqualify him for alleged involvement in the murder of Martinez, according to Rutchell Calixterio, Mambusao municipal election officer.

The petition for disqualification was filed against Labao on May 8 at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) central office by Ludovico Martelino, the husband of Labao’s opponent, Sharon.

In his eight-page petition, Ludovico said Labao, who has been tagged as the alleged mastermind of the killing of Martinez in 2012, has been in hiding to evade a warrant for his arrest.

“Respondent’s flight from justice is apparent,” said the petition of Ludovico.

Police earlier filed charges of obstruction of justice against Jose Avelino III, candidate for first district legislator, and his friend, Marilou Villasis. The two allegedly helped Labao escape on April 12.

Ludovico urged the Comelec to hold in abeyance the proclamation of Labao “considering that the evidence of his guilt is strong.”