MALASIQUI–The Commission on Election (Comelec) en banc dismissed two electoral complaints filed against Mayor Armando Domantay Sr. in May 2013.
In the first complaint, Mr. Domantay was accused of unlawful donation and distribution of prohibited forms of election propaganda in violation of Section 104 of the Omnibus Election Code by Atty. Alfonso Soriano.
Soriano stated in his letter- complaint that Domantay gave and distributed jetmatic pumps, t-shirts, baseball caps with his name and picture and money to voters as well as the distribution of “BANAT” newspaper during the May 2013 National and Local Elections.

Soriano stated in his letter- complaint that Domantay gave and distributed jetmatic pumps, t-shirts, baseball caps with his name and picture and money to voters as well as the distribution of “BANAT” newspaper during the May 2013 National and Local Elections.

The investigating officer, after several hearings, recommended the dismissal of the complaint for lack of probable cause.

The commission also questioned the reliability and value of evidence presented in support to the allegation against Domantay for non-disclosure in his statement of election contributions and expenditures (SOCE) the total amount he spent for the campaign t-shirts and baseball caps.

It also dismissed the anonymous letter-complaint against Domantay requesting investigation on his SOCE in the last May 2013 election dated October 28, 2013.
The letter accused Domantay of overspending and election offenses.

The commission adopted the recommendations of Provincial election supervisor Marino Salas said upon his review, “as far as his SOCE is concerned, his total expenses of P198, 000 is well within what the law allows per registered voters, that is P3 per voter with a total voters of 74, 478 during that time”.

“This commission is in no way convinced that a mere narration of the statements through an anonymous letter, without more, already constitutes sufficient basis for the conclusion that Mayor Domantay spent beyond limits to such statements is unacceptable absent any solid proof that he directly or indirectly committed the acts complained of”.

Both decisions were signed by Chairman J. Andres Bautista, Commissioners Christian Robert Lim, Al Pareño, Louie Tito Guia, Arthur Lim, Ma. Rowena Amelia Guanzon and Sheriff Abas. (Hilda Austria)

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