Kabankalan election officer resigns

The election officer of Kabankalan City has resigned, Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, provincial elections supervisor, confirmed today, Tuesday.

Ananoria said Atty. Jonna Cabanilla resigned from her post citing personal reasons after two years in service.

Taking over the post left by Cabanilla is senior election assistant Analliza Edral as Officer-in-Charge,,he said.

Ananoria added that Cabanilla personally paid P2,000 each to the 660 Election Board support staff she hired during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in October last year.

A total of P1.3 million was shelled out by Cabanilla after they were not paid their honoraria for serving during the electoral process as they were not included in COMELEC Resolution number 10924.

Under the guidelines, staff who served during the elections will receive P5,500 each.

Controversy arose after those who were hired as support staff complained that they were not paid for their services.

In a message obtained by local media, Cabanilla said, “I would like to personally inform you that I have already resigned from COMELEC. I am no longer connected as of today. I have been receiving threats to my safety hence, I came up with such a decision.”

“The issue on your compensation is in National Comelec and it will continue to be tackled on. As per the provincial Comelec, they will be the ones to follow up the status of the compensation for Kabankalan and Himamaylan,” she said.

Ananoria said that despite her resignation, Cabanilla could still face civil and criminal.

He also confirmed that the case is still pending at the poll body’s national office.

Meanwhile, Ananoria said that COMELEC has assigned election officers. In Himamaylan City, Atty. Keinth Horario, and Atty. Johnnie Lou Darigan-de la Cerna in La Carlota City.* (Eugene Y. Adiong)