By BEN BALCE
Associate Editor
and SHIELA MAE BUTLIG
Correspondent
TENSIONS escalated Friday after former radio personality Jonas Bustamante was named in a complaint filed by Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials, following his claims of a secret meeting between election officers and Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy.
Bustamante’s allegations, made during a Facebook Live broadcast, accused the mayor and Comelec officials of holding a private meeting at Hamersons Hotel around 8 pm, a claim that election officers have strongly denied.
Bustamante’s claims spark controversy
In his livestream, Bustamante alleged seeing a white van — believed to belong to Mayor Uy — enter the hotel garage. He questioned why the mayor and Comelec personnel would meet in a hotel room late in the evening.
“Unsay gihimo sa sulod sa room 404 ug ngano sila nagkita,” Bustamante asked.
The claims suggested a clandestine meeting that could influence the upcoming elections, drawing public attention and speculation. Bustamante is known for supporting a congressional candidate in Cagayan de Oro’s 1st District and hosts the blocktime program Ang Isyu Karon. He also hosts other programs on social media platforms like Birada Live, Birada sa Isyu, and Birada sa Exposé.
Comelec denies meeting with the mayor
Comelec officials from Jasaan, Misamis Oriental — including 2nd District Election Officer Atty. Ramil Acol — denied the accusation, stating that the meeting was a routine strategy session unrelated to any politician.
“Wala'y politiko didto,” Acol said, pointing out that the gathering was for Comelec personnel to discuss canvassing procedures ahead of the May 12 election.
He clarified that the meeting took place from 4 pm to 8 pm at Hamersons Hotel and was booked by a fellow election officer from Jasaan.
“Si Lailani (Comelec Jasaan) ang nag-book og reservation sa hotel. Naga-brainstorm mi sa election strategies, walay politiko didto,” Acol said.
Blotter filed against Bustamante
Acol and other Comelec officials filed a blotter report at Barangay Nazareth Police Station against Bustamante, citing defamation and the spread of false information.
They also raised concerns about the viral nature of Bustamante’s post and its potential to mislead the public. As of this posting, the post has garnered 75,500 views, eight shares, and 19 reactions.
Acol maintained that the meeting had no political agenda.
“Wala mi dautang gihimo didto, ug ang among gi-discussan kay election procedures,” he said.
Privacy concerns raised
He also expressed dismay over what he viewed as a breach of data privacy by hotel staff. Acol questioned how information about their reservation had become public, citing data privacy laws.
“Among gibuhat about sa election canvassing, wala mi gibuhat didto kauban ang politiko,” Acol reiterated.
He noted that similar meetings have occurred in previous election cycles and that his participation was requested to assist new officers who are not lawyers.
“Gi butang-butangan ang among opisina sa among meeting kay ga-brainstorming mi,” Acol said.
As of Friday evening, Comelec officials maintain that the meeting was legitimate and aboveboard. They said the controversy underscores ongoing challenges in preserving election integrity and combating misinformation online.
