THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has filed a disqualification case against Carmen Barangay Chairperson Raineir Joaquin ‘Kikang’ Uy, who is vying for a seat in the House of Representatives, accusing him of violating the Philippine Omnibus Election Code.
An 18-page petition, obtained by Gold Star Daily, alleges that Uy played a key role in the 44.4% surge in new voter registrations in Barangay Carmen by issuing questionable barangay certificates.
“Unusual influx of application for voter registration pertains to those with barangay certification as an identification document,” the petition reads in part.
According to Comelec's petition, of the 21,854 voter applications in Carmen during the registration period, 8,218 — or 37.6% — relied on certifications issued by Uy.
The Comelec’s law department, which filed the case at 5:30 pm on November 26, is seeking Uy’s disqualification as a congressional candidate in Cagayan de Oro’s 1st District, citing Section 68 and Section 261(e) of the Omnibus Election Code.
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“Respondent (Uy) stands to benefit considering that barangay certification is an accepted identification in support of an application of a person seeking registration as a voter in Barangay Carmen, a barangay in the district where he is seeking public elective office,” the petition reads.
Uy, however, defended the spike in registrations, attributing it to the barangay’s status as a highly urbanized area.
“The people have their right to suffrage,” Uy told Gold Star Daily in a prior interview.
The case highlights intensifying scrutiny over voter registration irregularities as the 2025 midterm elections approach.
