Two barangay captains who lost in the barangay and SK elections emerged victorious following a recount in San Fernando, Camarines Sur.
Rodel Sta. Rosa was contested by Efren Cuerdo in the previous elections in Barangay Tagpocol. Cuerdo won by only a small margin.
However, Sta. Rosa filed a complaint against Cuerdo, which prompted a recount. Following a series of court hearings, Sta. Rosa was declared as the winner.
The court voided Cuerdo's votes due to an error in the way his name was written on the ballot.
However, despite the court’s decision, Sta. Rosa’s assumption of the position is allegedly being blocked by the incumbent captain, Cuerdo.
“Nag-oath of office po ako kan petsa kan Hulyo. Dae po ako nakaka assume sa barangay hall dahil ta may mga pag-uulang po na ginigibo sako, na manungod sa dae daa po talaga ako patutukawon igdi sa Barangay Tagpocol,” Sta. Rosa said.
In defense, Cuerdo said Sta. Rosa should not assume office until authorized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and the mayor.
“Ipahiling niya na siya talaga ma-assume na tinutugutan siya kang DILG, tinutugutan siya kang COMELEC, [tapos] tinutugutan siya ni Mayor,” Cuerdo said.
Cuerdo's camp has filed a motion for reconsideration with the Court of Appeals, disputing accusations of obstructing Sta. Rosa's assumption of office.
The issue is now with the DILG Camarines Sur, awaiting directives from the regional office on the assumption of post following the recount.
Meanwhile, another barangay captain in the same municipality also emerged victorious after a recount.