SAN JOSE, Antique – The Election Registration Board (ERB) will hear this month the opposition filed on Sen. Loren Legarda’s application to transfer her voter’s registration from Malabon City, Metro Manila to Pandan, Antique.
Legarda’s application was opposed by former Antique vice governor Robin Rubinos, according to Provincial Election Supervisor III Roberto Salazar.
Rubinos said Legarda is not a resident of Pandan, particularly Barangay Mag-aba – the village the senator identified in her application as her new domicile.
“There will be a simultaneous hearing of all applications for registration,” said Salazar. “One of those to be heard will be that of Senator Legarda.”
The ERB will review on Oct. 25 the applications of new registrants and those who requested for reactivation, correction and transfer of registration in view of the 2019 midterm elections.
“The domicile of origin of the applicant is Malabon City, which remains as her domicile as she has not fulfilled the requirements in acquiring a new domicile in Mag-aba, Pandan, Antique,” read part of Rubinos’ opposition letter filed at the Commission on Elections office in Pandan on Oct. 4.
For Legarda to be considered a resident of Pandan, she must “concur bodily presence in the new locality, intention to remain there and intention to abandon the old domicile,” said Rubinos, also a lawyer.
Pandan’s ERB is chaired by Municipal Election Officer Dianah Paciente. Her members are representatives from the Department of Education and the local civil registrar.
Legarda, who is reported to run for congresswoman in Antique, filed her application on Sept. 28. (With a report from PNA/PN)
