TAGOLOAN, Lanao del Norte mayoral candidate Alexander Ali has filed a disqualification petition against his political rival, Leslie Glendee Dimakuta, before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Manila.
The petition alleges that Dimakuta violated election laws and committed acts of ethical misconduct, including slander, false representation, religious coercion and abuse of authority.
Ali claimed that Dimakuta “mocked the rule of law and public trust” by allegedly requiring her subordinates to swear an oath of support using the Qur’an before the official campaign period began.
He said she posted the act on her Facebook page, calling it coercive and a misuse of religious influence for political gain.
He also alleged that Dimakuta made “malicious, baseless and defamatory” public accusations against him during a campaign rally, including alleged involvement in murder and court manipulation.
“These statements are not just defamatory; they constitute election-related offenses that may warrant disqualification,” the petition states, citing paragraph 5, page 2 of the document.
In paragraph 21 of page 5, Ali referenced a Comelec resolution that considers rhetoric inducing psychological harm, shame or exclusion as grounds for disqualification when used to influence voters.
Ali also noted that Dimakuta had previously filed a disqualification petition against him, which he described as baseless and filed in bad faith.
In a brief interview, Ali urged fellow candidates to be more cautious online.
“Dapat ma-waken ang mga politiko na hindi basta-basta mag-post sa social media,” he said.
Dimakuta has not issued a statement in response to the allegations as of press time.
