Espino's 2001 win affirmed by HRET
Posted on December 1, 2003 - Filed Under News |
LINGAYEN—The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) finally affirmed the victory of Rep. Amado Espino Jr. of the second district of Pangasinan in the May 2001 polls over his closest rival, former Lingayen Mayor Ernesto Castaneda.
The decision of the HRET, promulgated last November 20, came less than a month before the start of filing of certificates of candidacy by candidates for the 2004 polls. Espino is running for reelection in the coming polls.
The 22-page decision was signed by Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Vitug as chairman, his fellow Associate Justices Leonardo Quisumbing and Angelina Sandoval Gutierrez, and Reps. Douglas Cagas, Zenaida Cruz-Ducut, Oscar Rodriguez, Salacnib Baterina, Enrico Echiverri and Joaquin Chipeco, all members.
The Provincial Board of Canvassers proclaimed Espino on May 19, 2001 as winner of the election in the second congressional district, garnering 41,203 votes or a margin of 558 votes as against Castaneda’s 40,645 votes.
However, on May 28 of the same year, Casta±eda filed an election protest impugning the election results in all 128 precints of Bugallon, all or 98 precints of Urbiztondo, 14 precints of Mangatarem and 19 precints of Binmaley or 259 precints.
In dismissing Castaneda’s protest, the HRET ruled: “It must be stressed that the protestant failed to submit evidence as to the alleged massive vote-buying, terrorism and other irregularities, not was this issue discussed in his Memorandum. Settled is the rule that where no evidence is submitted in support to the causes of action, and the memoranda omits any reference to the said cause of action, the Tribunal must accordingly dismiss the particular cause of action.
After the appreciation of ballots, the margin ofr votes begtween Espino and Castaneda increased further by 84 votes. ECV
Comments
Leave a Reply
