THE National Unity Party (NUP) has filed a formal petition questioning the residency of 962 voter applicants in Villanueva before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

According to Marian Capin, Comelec Officer III in Villanueva, over 2,000 voter applications were received, and a significant portion of these, led by NUP party leader Al Rose Cuansing, are under scrutiny.

The complaint, filed on October 7, challenges the residency status of these applicants, Capin said in an interview on October 18.

“Gi question nila (NUP) kung naka acquire ba ug residency katong objected applicants,” said Capin.

POLL BOARD REVIEW. Marian Capin, Comelec Election Officer III of Villanueva, discusses the Election Registration Board (ERB) hearing held on Friday, October 18, where only 431 of the 962 challenged voter applicants appeared as of 2 pm that day. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

During a weeklong Electoral Registration Board (ERB) hearing that concluded Friday, only 431 of the 962 contested applicants appeared before Comelec.

For those who failed to show up, Capin noted that decisions would be based on the documents submitted. Applicants who are disapproved by Comelec still have the option to appeal the decision at the Municipal Trial Court (MTC).

NUP representative Jay Garillos voiced concerns about the significant increase in voter applicants and urged that those not meeting residency requirements have their applications withdrawn.

The party claims the irregularities stem from registrations between July and September, with more applicants from earlier months yet to be reviewed.

“Duna gyud iregularidad sa pagtaas sa applicant voters sa Villanueva, gani kani among gipetisyonan mao lamang kini ang mga indibidwal nga nagparegister gikan July to September, wala pay apil ang February to June,” said Garillos.

Garillos said the NUP is pushing for a fair and transparent election process in Villanueva.