Camiguin's lone district representative aspirant, Paul Rodriguez, was disqualified on March 20 by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 2nd Division due to misrepresentation regarding his residency in his Certificate of Candidacy.
In a 16-page decision, the Comelec's 2nd Division stated on page 14 that evidence presented by incumbent House Representative Jurdin Jesus Romualdo showed that Rodriguez failed to meet the residency requirement for his candidacy.
The decision noted that Rodriguez falsely claimed to be a resident of Camiguin for 11 years and 4 months.
"Considering that this false representation pertains to a qualification for the position he seeks to be elected to, he has committed material misrepresentation in his COC," the decision stated.
Upon reviewing official records, it was determined that Rodriguez is not a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Catarman, leading to the declaration that the certificates issued to him are erroneous and invalid, the decision emphasized.
Signed by Comelec's 2nd Division Commissioner Rey Bulay, along with Commissioners Nelson Celis and Noli Pipo, Rodriguez's candidacy for the May 12, 2025 election has been denied and canceled.
In an interview on Strong Radio on March 20, Rodriguez stated that he plans to file a motion for reconsideration. While currently in Manila, he mentioned he would be returning to Camiguin today.
"Ila man ming gipangitaan ug paagi nga wa paminawa among ebidensya," Rodriguez remarked.
He added that if they lose their motion for reconsideration, they will escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
