Rival calls for Comelec control following ‘ice-throwing’ incident

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

In response to Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member David Lacson, who is running for EB Magalona mayor, called for the town to be under Commission on Elections (Comelec) control after ice and bottles were reportedly thrown during rallies, incumbent Mayor Marvin Malacon called the episode an “isolated incident” and affirmed Comelec control is not necessary as there is no “intense political rivalry” in the town.

“There are some who wants to create some scenario to project that the town is not peaceful—I don’t believe that,” the mayor said during a press conference. “Saraviahanons are peace-loving people.”

Atty. Ariel Malunes, legal counsel for Malacon, called Comelec-control “premature and without basis.”

“Under Comelec Resolution 1041, the poll body sets parameters on how a certain area can be put under Comelec control,” he explained. “All these are not present in EB Magalona like ‘intense political rivalry’ among candidates.”

“Political rivalry is normal during elections,” Malunes added, who went on to characterize the use of incidents in barangays as a basis for Comelec control “childish.”

He also made mention of Moises Padilla, which has seen three local officials gunned down in recent days, noting, “Comelec has not even acted on it.

“There is a process to be followed,” he affirmed./DGB, WDJ