BONTO, Mountain Province – As expected, there was a last minute substitution in the provincial elective post in the province.
Jonathan Battateng Harder withrew his certificate of candidacy for the lone congressional seat last Thursday afternoon in favor of Abrian Cabatsi Libang. The two belong to the People’s Reform Party as evidenced by their Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance.
Their nomination form was signed by PRP national treasurer Elizabeth del Rio.
Available documents point out that Harder and Libang are both from Binaka. Monamon Sur in Bauko, a vote rich barangay of the western town. His certificate of candidacy points out Libang is 41 years and is self-employed. He is a relative of former Bauko Mayor Oliver Libang who headed the municipality in 1998-2001.
The substitution though seems to be a part of a political game plan as Angel Libang who was earlier suspected to be the substitute said in a phone interview that he still has the chance of entering the congressional fight despite the lapse of the November 29, 2018 substitution date. “I still have the chance. Let’s just wait”, Libang who acted as the executive assistant to his father said in an interview.
Libang did not elaborate but he was obviously referring to the new resolution promulgated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last September 7, 2018 relaxing the rules on substituting for candidates in the 2019 elections.
Under Comelec Resolution 10420, substitute candidates for those who withdraw their candidacies are allowed until midday of election day.
The substitute, however, should share the surname of the original candidate. No substitution is allowed for independent candidates.
“The substitute for a candidate who died, withdrew his candidacy, or was disqualified by final judgment may file a COC up to midday of Election Day; provided that, the substitute and the substituted have the same surnames,” the Comelec Resolution partially states.
The substitute should also belong to, and be nominated by, the political party or coalition of the original candidate.
Observers said the entry a candidate from the Libang clan would further tighten the race for the lone congressional slot. It could erode the so-called SABATA block vote which was responsible in putting in place former leaders of the province. Former congressmen Victor Dominguez and Maximo Dalog anchored their strength on the SABATA votes and so with the late governor Leonard Mayaen.
Libang will be the fourth SABATA candidate for congressman. Those who earlier filed their intent include former Sabangan Mayor Jupiter Dominguez, Tadian mayor Anthony Wooden, and Maximo Dalog, Jr. Former PNP Provincial Director Allen Ocden traces his roots from Besao and Bontoc but claims to have relatives scattered all-over the SABATA towns. Another congressional contender Avelino Amangyen is presently the mayor of Paracelis, the second most populated town in the province.
COMELEC provincial officer Ricardo Lampac said his office welcomes other substitutes should they qualify under COMELEC rules.
By Angel Baybay
