THIS press release is prompted by public duty and is issued to dispel the irresponsible radio broadcast which insinuated that the good congressman, Hon. Peter M. Unabia, has been disqualified by the Comelec and thus cannot assume office by June 30, 2019 as the duly elected vice mayor of Gingoog City. The frenzy went on to exalt his losing opponent, Mayor Marie Guingona, as the one who is entitled to the position.
The radio broadcast is almost “fake news,” to say the least.
Truth be told that there is an on-going case for disqualification against Cong. Unabia before the Comelec. This case was initiated before the election by Atty. Miguel Paderanga, a die-hard political ally of Mayor Guingona. He claimed that Cong. Unabia “lied” in his certificate of candidacy because he did not meet the one-year residency qualification provided in R.A. No. 7160 which is also known as the Local Government Code. Even granting that a Resolution was already issued by the Comelec on May 29, 2019 against Cong. Unabia, such Resolution did not attain finality because we have timely filed a Motion for Reconsideration. In fact, we intend to exhaust all legal remedies available in the proper courts of law should our motion be denied. Let it be known that Cong. Unabia will not stand idly.
The issue about his residence is old hat. It has hounded Cong. Unabia during the campaign. It was a staple in the political rallies. He was vilified by his adversaries no end. But whether or not there is truth to such accusation, there is no better proof than the overwhelming votes cast in his favor during the election. No less than the people have consented to his candidacy. What disqualification are they talking about?
After all, the situation of Cong. Unabia is not unique. His case calls to mind a similar situation in the past — the late Governor Dongkoy Emano, after his term expired in the Capitol, he ran as Mayor in Cagayan de Oro City. The same is true to the case of Mayor Oscar Moreno. He served in the Capitol and then ran as Mayor in Cagayan de Oro City after his term in the province expired. Even Congressman-elect Christian Unabia, he transferred his residence from Cagayan de Oro City to Sugbongcogon and then sought election as congressman of the First District of the province. Indeed, there is nothing irregular if a person opts to transfer his residence. It is a question of intent.
It is just unfortunate that the political adversaries of Cong. Unabia stop at nothing to rob him off, to deprive him the position upon which he was conferred a sovereign mandate. We can only hope for them to see the light of day and succumb to humility. In elections, there can only be one victor. The people have spoken. — from the office of Atty. Dale D. Mordeno, counsel de parte, Cong. Peter M. Unabia
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