ERB says Benitez a Bacolod voter

The Election Registration Board (ERB) has approved the transfer of voter registration of Provincial Capitol consultant and former congressman Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez to Bacolod City.

In a decision dated July 23, 2021, the ERB denied the opposition against the transfer of Benitez filed by Hector Yula, Teodoro Abao and Jonah Abao.

“In light of the foregoing, the Election Registration Board hereby denies the opposition filed by Hector Yula, Teodoro Abao and Jonah Abao and approves the application of Alfredo Abelardo Benitez for the transfer of his voter registration to Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City”, the resolution said.

The ERB, in its resolution, said that, “The Board finds the registrant fulfilled the residency requirement of six months on the day of the election. Even if the period of residence of the registrant in Mountainview Subd., Barangay Mandalagan be reckoned from the time of his filing of application to transfer of registration record on April 22, 2021 until the eve of the election day on May 9, 2022 respondent/registrant would still be one year and 11 days a resident thereof”.

Earlier, Caña said that both parties, the oppositors or the registrant applicant may still file its petition before the court for inclusion/ exclusion of voter/registrant.

Other voters/applicants who were also subjected to opposition have also been sent copies of the ERB’s decision on their applications.
In reaction to the ERB’s decision, Benitez said, “We respect & thank the ERB for the decision. We always had complete faith in the Comelec- ERB process. Now, I am a registered voter of Bacolod City. ”

“Bacolod, here I come!,” Benitez said.

The ERB is composed of Caña, City Election Officer and ERB chair; Gladys Amylaine Sales, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Bacolod City; and Atty. Hermilo Pa-uyon, Local Civil Registrar.* (With report from PNV)