EMBATTLED Barangay Carmen Chairman Raineir Joaquin Uy’s legal counsel has filed a comprehensive 41-page document, accompanied by some 7,000 supporting documents, in response to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) petition for disqualification.

The Comelec petition alleges that Uy improperly issued residency certificates to people who do not live in the area, which subsequently helped them register to vote fraudulently.

Lawyer Al An E. Geñoso of the Carrasco & Geñoso law office, who is defending Uy, submitted this response in person at Comelec five days after receiving the complaint.

The documents include statements from other barangay chairpersons, zone leaders, and local voters, all of whom support Uy and reject the claims of wrongdoing as unfounded and politically motivated.

The disqualification petition argues that Uy violated the Philippine Omnibus Election Code by allowing a suspicious increase in new voter registrations in Barangay Carmen.

Some critics, including Barangay Captain Felife Baang of Bayanga, suspect that the city’s 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan is behind this case to undermine Uy’s chances of winning a seat in the House of Representatives.

Earlier, Uy defended his actions, stating that he followed all proper procedures when issuing residency certificates.

He has encouraged newly registered voters to confirm that they registered without pressure.

“It’s important for everyone to feel safe and empowered to vote,” Uy said, highlighting the need for active participation in democracy.

Despite the controversy, support for Uy is growing among residents of Barangay Carmen.

Many see the disqualification petition as a political attack rather than a legitimate concern.

“This is about our right to choose our leader,” one resident stated during the recent rally at Carmen’s barangay hall.

The political tension is not limited to the disqualification case. During a recent event, Baang also accused Suan of misusing funds from the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families program.

Baang claims that over P100 million meant to help local farmers and fisherfolk have been misallocated to benefit Suan’s political allies instead.

Baang earlier demanded that Suan explain why only his allies seemed to benefit from these funds.