Jun Pe’s Disqualification Not a Big Deal for BOPK

The decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) En-banc disqualifying Councilor Augustus Pe Jr. from his candidacy as councilor for the south district in Cebu City is no longer a big deal for the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan.

Pe lost his bid to become one of the city legislators representing the south district for the next three-year term because he only landed in the ninth place during the May 13 Automated National and Local Election.

The Comelec en banc rejected Pe’s motion for reconsideration on the earlier ruling cancelling his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the reason that he is not really a resident of the south district considering that he continues to serve as councilor representing north district.

Pe, who is now on his third term as councilor representing north district is no longer eligible for reelection in the same district once his term of office will end on June 30 that is why he ran in the south district claiming that it is already another district and not covered by term limit.

But on February 1, the Comelec First Division cancelled Pe’s COC due to his failure to establish a residency in the south district.

In its resolution dated May 9, the Comelec En banc ruled that Pe should not be allowed to run for councilor in the south district being an incumbent councilor in the north district.

“Anent the issue on residency, we maintain the findings of the First Division that respondent failed to present a clear and positive proof that he abandoned his former residence and acquire a new one in the 2nd District of Cebu City,” the five-page resolution said.

The ruling also said the certification issued by Guadalupe barangay captain Michael Gacasan could not substitute the requirement of actual and physical residence. Pe is already residing at Sitio Banawa in Barangay Guadalupe.

Had Pe won in the election, BOPK chairman and Representative Tomas Osmeña said they would definitely elevate their motion to the Supreme Court.

But for Team Rama legal counsel Joy Pesquera said they are “very happy” with the decision of the Comelec en banc.