OLONGAPO MAYOR, OTHER LOCAL BETS FACE DISQUALIFICATION RAPS FOR ALLED VOTE-BUYING

BY KEVIN GALANG

DISQUALIFICATION charges were filed against reelectionist Olongapo City Mayor Rolen  “Lenj”  Paulino Jr. and his slate for alleged vote-buying.

The cases were filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Intramuros, Manila by petitioners Rowena Quejada of New Cabalan, Olongapo City; Maria Asuncion  Monteverde and Ofelia Bascos, both of New Kalalake, also in Olongapo City.

Charges for alleged violation of Sec 261 (a), (i) , (j),(o) of the Omnibus Election Code or vote-buying and abuse of state resources in relation to Comelec Resolution 11104 regarding “Kontra Bigay” were filed against Paulino Jr. who is seeking another term as mayor this coming May 12, 2025 polls;  Rodel Cerezo  who is running for vice mayor, and councilor bets Ermelando Anonat, Donald Aquino, Noel Atienza, Benjamin Cajudo II, Rodolfo Catologan, Delbert Muega, Randy Sionzon and Cristabelle Marie “Tata” Paulino.

The group belongs to Team Paulino 2025 slate.

According to the petitioners, the respondents also violated Comelec Resolution  10999, which prohibits campaigning on April 17, 2025 (Maundy Thursday)  and April 18, 2025 (Good Friday).

Based on the complaints, the petitioners alleged that the respondents committed acts of vote-buying  on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. 

The petitioners said the incident happened on the roof deck of SM City Olongapo Central on Rizal Ave Extension, Olongapo City.

They said the respondents committed vote-buying through the guise of giving aid consisting of three kilos of rice, a can of corned beef and a can of sardines, and hosting a raffle draw, with a reward of P500, P300, and P200 to various winners.

On said events, the petitioners said Team Paulino 2025 slate were in attendance, despite not  speaking during the occasions.

The complainants also alleged that Ruben de Guzman, head of Topaz Amusement Corporation, openly gave his endorsement to “Team Paulino” and called on all in attendance to vote for the full slate this upcoming local elections in Olongapo City.

They added that present in the activity was current Bases Conversion and Development Authority  (BCDA) director, former Olongapo City Mayor nnd Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) head Rolen C. Paulino Sr., who, according to them, openly spoke and urged the attendees to vote for Team Paulino 2025 slate,  particularly the candidacy of his mayor-son and his daughter incumbent councilor Tata Paulino

The Maundy Thursday event was caught on camera and went viral on social media.

The petitioners added that after the first day went viral on social media, the second day of activity (Good Friday), attendees were instructed not to use their cellphones for them to be allowed to get their “ayudas” and prizes.

Meanwhile, the Comelec has issued a show cause order (SCO) against the Olongapo City mayor to explain the alleged vote-buying charges.