LP choosing bet: Prohibitions imposed for Ilocos Sur special polls

VIGAN CITY- Starting April 28, the Commission on Elections will impose prohibitions in the first district of Ilocos Sur in relation to the special poll to be held there on May 28.

The Comelec will hold a special election in the district to find a replacement for former congressman Ronald Singson who was convicted of drug trafficking by a Hong Kong court last February.

Singson was sentenced to 18 months in jail, prompting the House of Representatives to strike him out from its roster.

In Resolution No. 9169, the Comelec said from April 28 to May 27, “issuance of appointments, promotions, creation of new positions, filling of new positions, or giving salary increase in government offices, agencies or instrumentalities” shall be prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code.

The Comelec added “construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works and issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices for future undertaking chargeable against public funds” and fundraising through “dances, lotteries and cockfights,” among others, are also not allowed during this period.

The poll body set the election period from April 28 to June 7 during which a number of “prohibited acts” will be in effect.

These include alteration of territory of a new polling precinct and establishment of a new precinct; carrying of firearms; transfer or detail of officers and employees in government offices, including public school teachers; and the use of bodyguards or security personnel by candidates whether or not they are members of the police, the military and other law enforcement agencies.

Those who wish to run may file their certificates of candidacy from May 9 to 13 but they can campaign only from May 14 to 26.

During the campaign period, the Comelec said giving donations or gifts in cash or in kind is now allowed.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party in Ilocos Sur is now screening local politicians to choose as its official candidate for the special congressional poll in the first district set on May 28.

Lawyer Everin Molina, provincial chairman of the Noynoy-Mar Movement Ilocos Sur chapter, said possible candidates from the ruling party or other winnable bets from the coalition party will be considered.

Molina, who is also deputy administrator of the National Tobacco Administration, said the LP screening committee will select an administration bet for the post vacated by former congressman Ronald Singson.

Singson, son of Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, was sentenced to 18 months in jail for drug trafficking in Hong Kong.

Molina, a former Vigan City councilor and one of the country’s outstanding legislators last year, is waiting for results of the screening if he would be selected among the LP’s possible candidates.

Lawyer Trandy Baterina, LP district chairman and nephew of former congressman Salacnib Baterina, is no longer interested to run in the congressional race because he is now concentrating on his law profession.

Baterina, a topnotch corporate lawyer, was beaten twice by Ronald Singson in the 2007 and 2010 local elections.

Ilocos Sur constituents foresee a possible duel between the elder Singson and former provincial board member Efren Rafanan, an ally of former President Joseph Estrada for the position.