Comelec grants petition of Independent Benguet Party

By March L. Fianza

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Commission on Elections last week finally granted the petition for registration of the Independent Benguet Party (IBP) as a local political party in the province of Benguet.
    Socorro B. Inting, the presiding commissioner of the Comelec Second Division and Antonio T. Kho Jr. a member of the same division signed the resolution under SPP 21-211 on Oct.19, 2021; one day after its promulgation by members of the Commission.
    The resolution was received by Itogon Mayor Atty. Victorio T. Palangdan, the president of IBP and the lead petitioner for registration of the organization as a local political party, on the same date of issuance by the Comelec Second Division.
    Mayor Palangdan who filed the petition for registration on April 16, 2021 averred that the organization was created purposely to “raise and develop homegrown leaders duly supported by the local electorate of the province by means of electing them into office.”
    The IBP was organized on March 15, 2021 in Adaoay, Kabayan, Benguet by several personalities from the private and government sector who, on the same date elected their officers.
    As of this writing, the new political party claims to have at least 30,000 members who are willing to support the goals and intentions of the organization.
    Palangdan who is on his last term as local chief executive of Itogon filed his certificate of candidacy for congressman of Benguet.
    Former Benguet Gov. Crecensio Pacalso also filed for the same position along with lawyers Thorrsson Keith and Samson Paran, and Benguet district caretaker Rep. Eric Yap of Davao.