LEGAZPI CITY – Not satisfied with the results of the May 14, 2007 polls because of alleged tampering with the election returns, mayoral candidate Michael Victor C. Imperial filed through his counsel Frank Lobrigo an electoral protest before the Commision on Elections (Comelec).

        Imperial accused the members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) of alleged tampering with the election returns through “dagdag-bawas”.

        Ironically, not only the loser from the opposition had accused the BEI of cheating because even defeated vice mayoral candidate Jess Rico Salazar, Rosal’s running mate, had also filed through his lawyer Ritchie Paclibar, a complaint for alleged tampering and manifest errors in the tabulation of election returns.

        Not to be outdone, two losing administration candidates for councilor also filed through their lawyer Esmeralda Paco before the Comelec a petition to exclude some questioned election returns.

        Atty. Valeza, however, said that the losing candidates are entitled to file their complaint before the Comelec. But she denied that there was widespread cheating in the Legazpi City polls.

        Comelec Manila had relieved Comelec lawyer Sunshine Nallen during the tension-filled canvassing at the ICM, City Hall Compound and replaced with Comelec lawyer Ma. Juana Valeza.