The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has filed more than 400 disqualification cases against candidates running for national and local elections this coming May 12 midterm polls, the latest to face disqualification was Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-Que for alleged abuse of state resources.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the majority of candidates facing disqualification or cancellation of certificates were due to using public funds to advance their political campaign.
A disqualification case was filed against Ting-Que by lawyer Ronald Brillantes before the Comelec. He accused the local chief executive of leveraging the resources, employees, and machinery of the Tuguegarao City government to promote her re-election bid.
Brillantes said this is a clear violation of election laws that bar public officials from using government funds or assets for personal or political advantage.
He claimed that Ting-Que utilized several city government properties, including a mini-dump truck, pickup truck, L3100 van, portable stage, and plastic monobloc chairs.
The government vehicles and employees were allegedly used to transport the mayor’s campaign paraphernalia to and from the campaign rally venues.
Government resources, such as the local government-owned portable stage, were also used in campaign activities and campaign rallies in nine various barangays across the city.
“On several occasions, particularly during her campaign activities and rallies, the above-mentioned properties were used by Respondents for her own personal gain and benefit and to promote her re-election,” the petition said.
Brillantes said such practices not only create an uneven playing field, but also erode public trust in local governance.
The Tuguegarao Mayor also faces several Ombudsman cases, both criminal and administrative, on the alleged use of government-owned heavy equipment for personal gains.
In a Facebook live video, Ting-Que said she is aware of the complaint but is reserving a response until they receive official communications from Comelec. She said they are preparing for a grand rally tomorrow (Friday).
“Yes, they filed (a petition, but) there is no order yet from Comelec for me to respond,” the mayor told a follower in the comments section when she was asked about the disqualification case.
In an earlier statement posted on her page, Ting-Que said she has not yet been disqualified and remains an official candidate for mayor of Tuguegarao City.
“Gaya ng parati nilang sinasabi (Like what they always say,) due process must be followed. We will answer whatever allegations are thrown against us and will not be distracted in our goal to win this election,” she added.
