VICE Mayor John Isaac Kho continues to preside over the Sangguniang Bayan despite a recent Regional Trial Court (RTC) ruling that nullified his proclamation and declared his opponent, Susan Casareno, as the rightful winner in the May 12, 2025 elections.

Kho, 33, has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to stop the implementation of the decision issued by RTC Judge Roselyn Andrada Borja. Through his lawyers from the Sardillo Sardillo Salom Law Offices, he filed a petition for certiorari seeking an urgent temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction.

He maintained that only the Comelec—not the courts—has the final say in election contests. “I hope the Comelec central office will approve my petition, as I believe the ruling against me is unfair and arbitrary,” he said.

Kho said he presided over the council’s regular sessions on December 3 and 10, assuring municipal employees that he remains the duly elected vice mayor amid Casareno’s alleged attempts to take over the post.

Casareno’s camp filed a motion for execution of judgment pending appeal on December 1, which Kho’s legal team promptly opposed.

“I will pursue all available avenues to uphold the mandate given to me by the people of Rosales,” Kho stressed, citing his original tally of 20,201 votes against Casareno’s 18,933.

Following a recount, however, Judge Borja reversed the results, declaring Casareno the winner with 20,705 votes to Kho’s 18,730. (Leonardo Micua)