Carvajal wins draw-lot for Salisay’s kapitan
ANDREW Carvajal has been proclaimed the chairman of Salisay after his name was picked in a draw-lot ordered by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to settle the electoral dispute for the barangay’s highest post.
Carvajal, who has about a year and a half left in the term of office, vowed to lay down “good plans” for the barangay.
“Sa awa ng Diyos natapos din,” said Carvajal, adding that he is glad to have pursued the protest, as he believed that he was the real winner in the election.
Carvajal lost to Conrado Muyalde in the October 2010 election by one vote, a result that he contested.
Muyalde has since been serving as kapitan, his third and last term.
After a recount, the local court declared Carvajal the winner by two votes.
Muyalde then appealed the decision before the Comelec headquarters, which in turn found the two to have gotten an equal number of votes at 408 each.
Section 240 of the Omnibus Election Code provides that a draw-lot is to be conducted in case of a tie of two or more electoral candidates.
PEACE COVENANT
Before the draw held January 24, the board of canvassers headed by Jimmy Cancino summoned the two candidates to sign a peace covenant indicating that they will accept the result of the draw and will not inflict harm on each other, the board of canvassers, and the election committee.
“Usapan namin (pertaining to Muyalde and himself] na kung sino man ang mananalo, magtutulungan kami,” Carvajal said.
City Elections Officer Remarque Ravanzo, for his part, said, “Carvajal has the biggest test to set the roadmap towards reconciliation. Since the people have been divisive, it is his task to reconcile the residents for the betterment of Barangay Salisay.”
Mayor Benjie Lim, who attended the event, advised the two to support each other for the development of the barangay.
The draw was also witnessed by representatives of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, other city officials, educators and the media. (with reports from Allanah Paragas, UPB; ANL/AMM-PIA Pangasinan)
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