Virac, Catanduanes – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has declared Virac Mayor Samuel Villanueva Laynes as an independent candidate for the upcoming elections after nullifying his Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA).
In a decision signed by Presiding Commissioner Rey E. Bulay and Commissioner Nelson J. Celis, the COMELEC ruled that Laynes’ CONA was signed by Joseph Chua Cua, the Provincial Chairman of LAKAS-CMD, but Cua lacked the authority to nominate candidates for the position of Member of the House of Representatives. The official document showed that Cua’s signing authority was limited to the following positions: Vice Governor, Provincial Board Members, City and Municipal Mayors, City and Municipal Vice Mayors, and City and Municipal Councilors.
As a result, the COMELEC classified Laynes as an independent candidate under Section 45 (j) of COMELEC Resolution No. 11045.
Laynes argued that there was insufficient evidence to invalidate his CONA, but the COMELEC upheld that the petitioner’s evidence was clear and convincing. A copy of Cua’s Authority to Sign Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance showed that his authority did not cover the congressional seat. The COMELEC also cited the Supreme Court ruling in Sabili vs. COMELEC, stating that in election cases, substantial evidence—or evidence that a reasonable mind would accept as adequate—is enough to support a decision.
COMELEC further dismissed Laynes’ argument that his notarized CONA should be presumed valid. The ruling emphasized that this presumption can be overturned if there is strong and credible evidence proving otherwise, as presented by the petitioner.
The COMELEC asserted that its duty is not only to accept and acknowledge COCs and CONAs but also to ensure their validity. Additionally, while party autonomy is recognized, it cannot override the commission’s authority in enforcing election laws.
Meanwhile, Mayor Laynes is expected to file a motion challenging the COMELEC decision. The petition against Laynes was filed by incumbent congressman Eulogio Rodriguez, who is also his opponent in the upcoming elections. With his CONA revoked, this development could significantly impact the political landscape of Catanduanes ahead of the May 12, 2025 elections. (FB/Bicol Peryodiko NewsTeam)
