The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said congressional candidate and Benguet vice-governor Ericson ‘Tagel’ Felipe is facing a disqualification case for using government-issued vehicles during his campaign.
The petition for disqualification was filed on May 2, stating that Felipe allegedly violated Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), particularly on the use of government vehicles for giving material consideration to influence, induce, or corrupt voters.
It was found that the white vehicle marked with “For Official Use Only” was covered by a magnetic signage bearing the phrase “Good Governance Benguet,” being the congressional candidate’s signature color theme as candidate for congressman of the Lone District of Benguet.
The petition added that the “for official use only” marking was deliberately concealed to make it appear that the vehicle was a private-owned vehicle.
Aside from concealing the markings, it was also alleged that the vehicle’s plate is being replaced from time to time.
Under Section 68 of the OEC, it specifies that any candidate who, in an action or protest in which he is a party is declared by final decision of a competent court guilty of, or found by the Commission of having (a) given money or other material consideration to influence, induce or corrupt the voters or public officials performing electoral functions.
Based on the documents obtained by the petitioner, the vehicle is owned by the Provincial Government of Benguet as certified by the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), which issued a Property Acknowledgment Receipt to Felipe.
The petition also cited that the Supreme Court clarified that prior conviction is not necessary to sustain a petition for disqualification; it is sufficient that substantial evidence exists to support the violation.
The petitioner also prayed that Felipe’s certificate of candidacy be cancelled and declared null and void for performing prohibited acts, and that the votes cast for him should be counted or treated as stray votes.
