‘The petition for exclusion filed against my tribes is a desperate political gambit’ - Mayor Gumilab

Tinglayan, Kalinga – Tinglayan Mayor Sacrament Gumilab says the petition for exclusion filed against the 206 registered voters from Tongrayan and Sumadel tribes is a desperate political gambit of the opposition to reduce possible number of votes for him.

Gumilab believes the petitioner's tactic will not work as the people in those tribes know each other.

Earlier this year, mayoral candidate, Vice-Mayor Charles Abay lodged a petition asking for the exclusion of said voters claiming that they are non-residents and are fictitious or non-existent, therefore violating Section 9 of RA 8189 otherwise known as Voter Registration Act of 1996.

The said law states that a citizen shall have resided in the place wherein they propose to vote for at least six months preceding the election to qualify as a voter.

According to Abay, his argument is based on the information given by his relative, the voters’ Facebook profile, and barangay certification issued by barangays outside Tinglayan.

Gumilab underscored that the move of his opponent is clearly aimed to lessen his votes in the upcoming May 9, 2022 election.

This, the mayor explained, is because it is evident that all the voters petitioned for exclusion in the three (3) barangays of Tongrayan tribe and two (2) barangays of Sumadel tribe are his supporters, belonging to his voting capital barangays.

“While this petition is intended for me, many candidates of Tongrayan Tribe and Sumadel Tribe would be adversely affected. The case is pending at the Municipal Circuit Trial Court so let us just wait for the result,” underlined Gumilab.

The hearing for the petition was held on January 28, 2022 at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall of the municipality. Another hearing is set on February 21 for the appearance of other voters petitioned who were not able to join the first hearing.

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