Comelec Mandates Vote Recount in San Fernando Mayoral Election Contest
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a significant directive for a vote recount in the City of San Fernando, marking a pivotal development in a contentious mayoral race. This decision follows an election protest filed by candidate Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab against the incumbent Mayor Vilma Caluag, challenging the official results from the May 2025 national and local elections.
Legal Grounds for the Recount Decision
In a detailed order promulgated on December 23, 2025, the Comelec First Division ruled in favor of Pineda-Cayabyab, asserting that her protest meets the necessary legal standards. The division, comprising presiding commissioner Aimee P. Ferolino and commissioners Ernesto Ferdinand P. Maceda Jr. and Maria Norina Tangaro-Caringal, emphasized that the allegations are specific enough to justify recount proceedings.
The order stated: "Contrary to the claim of the protestee [Caluag], this Commission (First Division) finds the election protest sufficient in form and content. All other arguments in the Answer are bereft of merit." This ruling underscores the Comelec's commitment to ensuring electoral integrity by addressing potential irregularities in the vote count.
Background of the Election Dispute
Pineda-Cayabyab initiated the protest after the official canvas revealed a substantial vote disparity. According to the results, Caluag secured 127,124 votes, while Pineda-Cayabyab received 49,061 votes. The protest cited alleged inconsistencies and irregularities in the counting process, which Pineda-Cayabyab argued could have affected the outcome.
In the May 2025 polls, Caluag, along with vice mayor candidate Brenz Gonzales and the ten councilor aspirants from the "Laban San Fernando" slate, were proclaimed winners on May 13. This victory effectively defeated Pineda-Cayabyab's entire "My San Fernando" team, which included re-electionist Vice Mayor Benedict Jasper Lagman and other incumbents and new candidates.
Timeline and Implications of the Recount
Reliable sources indicate that the recount is tentatively scheduled for February 2, 2026, just two days before San Fernando's "Kaganapan" 2026 celebration, which marks the city's anniversary. This timing adds a layer of significance to the proceedings, as it could influence local political dynamics during a key community event.
The recount process is expected to involve a thorough review of ballots and voting records to verify the accuracy of the initial count. This move highlights the Comelec's role in upholding democratic principles by providing a mechanism for candidates to contest results they believe are flawed.
As the recount approaches, stakeholders in San Fernando are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating potential shifts in the political landscape. The outcome could have lasting effects on governance and public trust in the electoral system, reinforcing the importance of transparent and fair election processes in the Philippines.
