• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A case of disqualification has been filed against Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara before the Commission on Elections for alleged violation of Comelec resolution Number 11104, known as Abuse of State of Resources (ASR), in line with the May12 elections.
Businessman Jurry Nabaja, who is challenging Tabujara in the Cauayan mayoral race, disclosed that Tabujara was personally present during the distribution of social pension by the Department of Social Welfare and Development on April 29 at the Cauayan Arts Center in Barangay Poblacion, Cauayan.
Nabaja disclosed that from March 28 until May 12, incumbent politicians are prohibited to attend distribution of government assistance.
Nabaja, accompanied by three witnesses, yesterday went to the Comelec provincial office in Bacolod City, to file the complaints.
However, Atty. Jossil Macute, Comelec assistant regional director for Negros Island Region, said he advised them to file their complaints directly to the Committee on Kontra Bigay.
Comelec defines ASR in elections as the “misuse of government resources, whether material, human, coercive, regulatory, budgetary, media-related, or legislative, for electoral advantage…”
In the complaint, a copy of which was furnished to the media, the witnesses said that while the social program for senior citizens was conducted by the DSWD, the Comelec has clearly stated in its issued guidelines that such exemption is conditional upon the non-presence of any candidate during the conduct of such activities.
Tabujara explained that he was invited to attend the activity to give a message, being the incumbent mayor. But he said he immediately left after his speech, and did not attend the distribution of government assistance.
Stressing that he is aware of the Comelec guidelines on Kontra Bigay, Tabujara said he will answer the complaints in a proper forum.
On the other hand, Macute said the hearing of the complaints will continue, even after the May 12 elections.*
