Villafuerte rival Fortuno appeals DQ ruling in Camarines Sur 5th District race

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Political newbie fights to continue a grassroots campaign, challenging an entrenched dynasty in Camarines Sur

ALBAY, Philippines — The political neophyte who is challenging Camarines Sur 5th District Representative Miguel Luis Villafuerte’s reelection bid has appealed a disqualification ruling against him by the Commission on Election’s 1st Division on April 14.  

The Comelec ruled to disqualify Phillip Fortuno of Barangay Busrac, Nabua, Camarines Sur, for allegedly misrepresenting his residency “to give him a color of qualification when he is otherwise constitutionally disqualified.” The Commission said Fortuno was a United States citizen for several years.

In this motion for reconsideration, Fortuno, a former soldier, asserted that even when he was assigned to the US in 2014, he did not relinquish his domicile of origin. He said that upon his return to Nabua in 2017, he maintained his residency and adhered to the necessary procedures to reacquire Filipino citizenship. 

He also said he has already filed an affidavit to renounce his American citizenship.  “Under Section 5 of the Republic Act No. 9225, one who has re-acquired his Philippine citizenship also enjoys the right to seek public elective office,” Fortuno’s camp argued.

Filed on October 29, 2024, the disqualification case against Fortuno cited alleged violations, including material misrepresentation of his residency under Section 78 of the Omnibus Election Code and Rule 23 of the Comelec rules and procedures. 

Citizenship question

Interestingly, those who filed the disqualification petition included Busrac Barangay Captain Annabelle Rull. Months prior, Rull issued a barangay certification which said that Fortuno has been a resident of Bustrac, Nabua, Camarines Sur for approximately 50 years.

The camp of Fortuno’s political opponent, Miguel Luis “Migz” Villafuerte are silent on this issue. However, this isn’t the first time a politician going against a Villafuerte has faced citizenship challenges as grounds for disqualification. 

In 2007, the Villafuertes also sought the disqualification of the late Interior secretary Jesse Robredo, then the mayor of Naga City, after defeating Jojo Villafuerte in 2004 and 2007 mayoral races. The Comelec ruled at the time against Robredo for supposedly not being a Filipino citizen. 

The ruling was later overturned and the Comelec, which eventually proclaimed Robredo and his entire winning slate on May 19, 2007. Robredo then completed his term and served as Naga City mayor until 2010.

Challenging a dynasty

“Migz” is the son of incumbent Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative and gubernatorial candidate Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte and the grandson of the late Luis Villafuerte, the person who instigated the case against Robredo.

Both Migz and LRay are now being challenged by political neophytes Fortuno and Bong Rodriguez. Fortuno and Rodriguez belong to the same group.

Lray’s other son, incumbent Governor Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte, is also running for 2nd District representative, while Lray’s wife, Lara Maria Villafuerte, and another son, Julio Mari Villafuerte, are the second and third nominees of the Bicol Saro party-list group.

The political landscape of Camarines Sur features numerous deeply entrenched clans, with the Villafuerte family being one of the political dynasties with the most significant and enduring control.

In Fortuno’s latest statement, he declared his fight against the disqualification move is a fight for the people’s “whispered discontent.” He asserted that his campaign, rooted in a grassroots revolution, is about building a nation where every voice is heard.

Vowing to continue fighting, Fortuno said, “Our fight is for our people – ordinary yet extraordinary – who are tired of being silenced, of being made to believe that power belongs only to dynasties and those with deep pockets.” – Rappler.com/ Gemma B. Mendoza