A DISQUALIFICATION complaint has been filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez for allegedly spreading false claims of massive cheating in the local May 12 polls.
Palompon, Leyte mayoral bet Ramon Oñate said the Comelec should disqualify Gomez from seeking re-election
for allegedly propagating “malicious and false” contents on his official Facebook page.
“This Honorable Commission must disqualify Respondent once again for his recklessness and malicious actions as detailed above,” said Oñate.
Gomez is seeking reelection as representative of the fourth district of Leyte.
Oñate accused Gomez of violating Section 261 (z) (11) of the Omnibus Election Code after the latter supposedly shared on his Facebook page a video of the radio program “Krusada sa Radyo” hosted by John Kevin Pilapil that was originally uploaded on the DYRG 101.5 FM Blue Radio page.
The actor-turned-politician purportedly captioned his post: “Palompon is poised to do grave and massive election cheating this coming May.”
“The malicious and false contents propagated by the Respondent contained false and alarming reports or information relating to the general conduct of the election and other specific matters for the purpose of disrupting or obstructing the election process or causing confusion among the voters,” said Oñate.
Oñate claimed the video showed Pilapil making “false and alarming reports” during the 1 hour and 37 minutes recording.
“Despite the falsity and the alarming nature of the claims and accusations of John Kevin Pilapil, the Respondent maliciously propagated, amplified, and bumped up by sharing/reposting said scathing reports in his official Facebook page/official online campaign platform,” he said.
Oñate also asked the Comelec to consider the votes cast in Gomez favor as stray or invalid, and proclaim the rightful winner should the disqualification case against Gomez be decided with finality before Election Day.
He likewise appealed to the poll body to suspend Gomez’ proclamation, should he will the congressional race, until case is resolved with finality.
