Comelec disqualifies, annuls proclamation of Silang mayor-elect Anarna

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has disqualified and annulled the proclamation of Alston Kevin Anarna as the mayor-elect of Silang, Cavite.

This decision, which overturned a previous Comelec First Division ruling, stemmed from a motion for reconsideration filed by former Silang Mayor Ted Carranza.

Anarna was disqualified due to an October 2024 Ombudsman decision that dismissed him from public office for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty, perpetually barring him from holding public office.

The Comelec declared all votes cast for Anarna as stray, potentially allowing Carranza, his closest rival, to be proclaimed the new mayor.

Anarna, who won the mayoral race with 54,787 votes, is set to elevate the case to the Supreme Court via a petition for certiorari, questioning the Comelec's process.

Anarna's legal counsel criticizes the Comelec's handling of the case, stating there was no notice of suit, summons, or opportunity to answer the allegations before the disqualification.

The poll body's first division had initially dismissed Carranza's disqualification petition due to insufficient proof of service to Anarna.