Aurora vice gov disqualified by Comelec
GERARDO “JERRY” NOVERAS – The Vice Governor of the Province of Aurora has been disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division for using the provincial government’s resources for his 2022 campaign.
The resolution, dated July 10, 2023, stated that Noveras committed a grave violation of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) and therefore is disqualified as a vice gubernatorial candidate for the Province of Aurora. The petition, filed by Noveras’ rival Narciso Amansec, alleged that Noveras used the property, equipment, and facilities of the Provincial Government of Aurora for his personal interest and campaign, which violated the OEC.
Amansec claimed to have witnessed the printing of campaign materials on the premises of the Aurora Training Center, with Noveras’ involvement. The Comelec First Division reviewed the evidence and found that Noveras had multiple violations of the OEC by utilizing government resources and influencing his subordinates for his campaign.
The Division concluded that there was evidence of coercion and influence by Noveras over a casual employee who was printing campaign materials. Noveras failed to refute the evidence and his denials were deemed insufficient. With Noveras’ disqualification, he will not be able to run as a candidate for the vice gubernatorial position in Aurora.
Meanwhile, elected officials in the Philippines can be disqualified from their government posts for various reasons. These include violating election laws, lacking necessary qualifications, committing crimes punishable by imprisonment, holding dual citizenship in certain cases, exceeding term limits, or being impeached for offenses such as betrayal of public trust or corruption. Disqualification grounds can vary based on specific laws and positions in the Philippine government.
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