LINGAYEN–After four months of evaluation, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has finally ruled and dismissed the petition for disqualification against 2nd District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil and his younger brother, Councilor Ramon Bataoil.

The case was filed by Richard Beil Ortega.

The instant petition for disqualification against Cong. Bataoil was dismissed as Comelec ruled it has no more jurisdiction over him in his assumption as a member of the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, the case against Coun. Bataoil was likewise dismissed due to lack of substantial evidence.

“The piece of evidence presented by the petitioner consisting of his (1) affidavit-complaint and supplemental affidavit complaint narrating the facts of alleged vote-buying; and (2) three separate pictures depicting respondent’s alleged alleged supporters with plastics goods, are not strong enough to establish their guilt of vote-buying,” states the resolution issued by the Comelec first division dated August 29, 2013.

Congressman Bataoil’s office received the copy of the resolution last September 18.

Ortega claimed in his complaint that the Bataoils violated the Omnibus Election Code for alleged vote buying and illegal detention tantamount to kidnapping.

The Bataoil brothers denied the claims and asserted that the filing of the charges were politically motivated.

On July 16, the complainant already filed a motion to withdraw/dismiss the case he filed along with his affidavit of desistance stating that he is no longer interested in pursuing the case.

The Congressman said he is happy with the decision which “only proves that those going against what’s true would not prevail”.

In the May elections, the congressman got a 154,466 margin of votes against his lone opponent, Kim Lokin.– Johanne R. Macob

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