ITOGON, Benguet – The Second Division of the Commission on Election (COMELEC) granted the petition for registration with the poll body of the Independent Benguet Party (IBP) as a local political party in the province for the upcoming May 9, 2022 synchronized national and local elections.
In a Resolution promulgated on October 16, 2021 duly signed by Presiding Commissioner Socorro B. Inting and Commissioner Antonio T. Kho, Jr., the poll body stated that after a careful examination of the records of the said petition, it found that the petitioner substantially complied with all the information for registration of the Independent Benguet Party as a local political party.
Based on the aforesaid resolution, the petition complied with an earlier order issued by the Commission by submitting proof of publication of the petition and the said order in 3 newspapers of general circulation, judicial affidavits of its officers and judicial affidavits of its 2 witnesses.
Further, the petition substantially contains all the allegations required to be stated in a petition for registration as set in the pertinent rules and regulations and procedures.
The poll body also stipulated that the petition submitted all the documents required to be attached in a petition for registration as prescribed in existing rules and regulations and procedures.
According to the resolution, there is no indication t6hat the petitioner is a religious denomination or that it seeks to pursue its goal through violence or other unlawful means or that it refuses to uphold and adhere to the Constitution and obey all laws and legal orders promulgated by duly constituted authorities or that it is supported or it accepts financial contributions from any foreign governments or agencies.
The poll body claimed that the verification report submitted by the regional election director of the Cordillera Administrative Region stated that the petitioner exists in 3 municipalities of Benguet, namely Itogon, La Trinidad and Tublay.
Earlier, the Independent Benguet Party averred in its petition for registration that it is a local political party which is organized to raise and develop home-grown leaders duly supported by the local electorates of the province by means of electing them into office.
It maintains that it specifically aims to address the issues of genuine local autonomy, empowered indigenous cultural communities, conservation and protection of the environment and home-grown leadership development, economic development and enhanced health care programs.
The party’s principal address is at 62 Base, Beling, Tuding, Itogon, Benguet and it asseverates that it was organized on March 15, 2021 at Pongol, Adaoay, Kabayan, Benguet by mayor Victorio T. Palangdan, Kabayan Mayor Basilio Louie Daoal, Jr., Itogon Councilor Jodea Brendalyn R. Acay-Camuyot, Kabayan Councilor Mercules Lamsis, Itogon Councilor Dante Alain Xavier Godio, Kabayan Councilor Mike Badival, Itogon Councilor Mackenzie T. Pio, Jr., Roli Francis Wakit, Romeo G. Pocding, and Sario Minas.
The party asserted on the said date the officers were elected such as Mayor Palangdan – Chairman, Councilor Camuyot – Vice Chairperson, Aloysius Kato – president, Itogon Vice Mayor Adriano Carantes, Jr. – Vice President for External Affairs, lawyer Noel Ngolob – Vice President for Internal Affairs, Jose A. Yamoto, Jr. – Secretary-General, Boardmember Bernard Waclin – Treasurer, Pocding – Executive Director, Vice Chairman – Florentino S. Awing, among others. By HENT
