The Bogo Times

THE entire fourth legislative district of the province of Cebu was declared as an election “hot spot” after the regional police force revised its watchlist of areas where violence are likely to erupt in this year’s election period. Cebu’s fourth district is composed of the city of Bogo and the towns of Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, San Remigio, Sta. Fe, Tabogon and Tabuelan. Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/367881/cebus-4th-district-now-a-hot-spot by Correspondent Chito Aragon photo source: philstar.com

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has rejected the request of Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, 4th district) to place Bogo City in northern Cebu under Comelec control in the 2013 elections to prevent a repeat of the stand-off in Pulambato in 2010. Comelec Chairperson Sixto Brillantes said the Comelec, as a collegial body, decided that placing Bogo City under Comelec control is unnecessary and has no basis. Brillantes said the Comelec decision is final. Earlier, Salimbangon said placing Bogo City under Comelec control will prevent violence in the elections, especially that there are armed men in the area who are freely roaming around. Salimbangon said he wants clean and honest elections and placing Bogo City under Comelec control will prevent criminals from making trouble during the campaign period and on election day. Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. said he is happy to learn about the Comelec order, saying the congressman’s suggestion is selective...

Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes, Jr. said Cebu’s 4th district would only be placed under Comelec control if there is actual violence. Sixto Brillantes Jr. Brillantes said the situation should be grave enough to warrant the commission’s control. ”Kung marami na hong namamatay dyan, nag-bombahan na, nag-iitsahan na ng granada, nagsusuguran na, maraming loose firearms, nagbabarilan na dyan. Wala nang peace and order. That is the time we place it under Comelec control. Is that the situation?” Brillantes said in an interview in Atty. Frank Malilong’s TV 5 program “Frankahay Ta.” ... Mayor Junie Martinez said they only suggested that the entire district be placed under Comelec control with conditions after Salimbangon suggested that Bogo be placed under the commission’s control. ”Salimbangon wants only Bogo declared, so I said, ‘Why not the entire district?” Junie said. Read more: balita.ph Comelec Provincial Supervisor Lionel Marco Castilla...

THREE towns and one city in Cebu province towns are being closely monitored by government security agencies to prevent possible political violence. Although not yet considered election hotspots, the Joint Security and Peace Coordinating Conference (JPSCC) is taking a close watch especially in the fourth district in northern Cebu. ... The 4th district is hotly contested between the Martinez and Salimbangon political clans. Danao City is being hotly contested by the divided Durano clan. ... In 2013, Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez, Jr. will again be challenged by Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung. Cebu 4th district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon will again be challenged by Celestino “Tining” Martinez IV. ... read more on Cebu Daily News Note: Content in this post is from Cebu Daily News. 

By Mylen P. Manto   (The Freeman) Updated December 13, 2010 12:00 AM   CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed the electoral sabotage complaint filed by fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon against Celestino Martinez III and two members of board of canvassers who served during the May 2007 elections. Acting Cebu Provincial Prosecutor Raul Cristoria dismissed the case against Martinez and two others for insufficiency of evidence. “Finding of probable cause cannot be determined by this office on the basis of evidence that is insufficient for its intended purpose,” Cristoria ruled. click here to continue reading.