Silay Mayor Carlo Gamban yesterday said he will file a motion for reconsideration of the order of the Comelec First Division giving due course to the protest of mayoralty candidate Jose "Oti" Montelibano, after finding that it had been filed on time.

Gamban said he has the highest trust and confidence in the fairness and integrity of the Comelec as a constitutional body, and he is optimistic that the recount will not change the results of the Silay mayoralty race in May 2004 elections.

Comelec records show that Gamban garnered 18,019 votes against 17, 736 of Montelibano, while Edwin Velez who also served as mayor of Silay for nine years, got 11,902 votes.

Montelibano, who is protesting the election and proclamation of Gamban claiming massive vote padding, misappreciation, misreading of votes, and substitution of voters, among others, said "We believe that we really won the elections".

He also said he is hopeful that the recount will be completed before the 2007 elections.

Gamban said the ballots and tallies to be recounted are "the very same" whose correctness was certified by the Comelec, members of the Board of Canvassers and by the representatives of Montelibano and his poll watchers, during the canvassing of votes for various elective positions in Silay, almost two years ago.

In belying the numerous accusations of Montelibano, Gamban said he recalled that three supporters of Montelibano were intercepted and arrested by the police in Brgy. E. Lopez, Silay, for having in their possessions 276 white envelopes containing a total of P55,200 in cash and sample ballots. He also called for continued vigilance over the possible appearance of a character like Michael Angelo Zuce, who may be employed by his opponents.

Gamban said Zuce was allegedly used by the detractors of President Arroyo in their failed attempt to undermine her victory in the 2004 presidential elections.

Montelibano has deposited P286,183 initially to pave the way for the Comelec to start the recount of the Silay mayoralty votes.*GPB

back to top