Albay gov's COC canceled; Tarlac, Cabuyao mayors DQ'd

For misrepresenting himself as an eligible gubernatorial candidate in the May elections, Albay Gov. Noel Rosal may be charged criminally and disqualified from holding public office, the Commission on Elections said yesterday.

- By MAYEN JAYMALIN

As this developed, the Comelec upheld the disqualification of Mayor Susan Sulit-Yap of Tarlac City for failing to establish her residency.

It also disqualified Mayor Dennis Hain of Cabuyao, Laguna for allegedly engaging in vote buying.

The Comelec Second Division denied due course or canceled the certificate of candidacy (COC) submitted by Rosal when he ran as governor of Albay in May.

"The votes cast in favor of the respondent are considered stray," the Comelec said in a 12-page order.