LEONCIO B. Evasco, Jr., who lost his bid for the governor’s seat in Bohol by 2,161 votes based on 100% of election returns transmitted, is filing a petition for a failure of elections declaration in the province as he accused the winning candidate, incumbent Rep. Arthur C. Yap, of massive vote-buying. In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Evasco, a close ally and former Cabinet secretary of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, said that during the campaign period, “I was already swamped by reports of vote-buying employed by the camp of Cong. Arthur Yap in nearly all towns of the Province including Tagbilaran City.” He described is as the “worst province-wide vote-buying operation never seen in Bohol before.” Mr. Evasco acknowledged that the petition may be denied by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), but he said, “The more important consideration is that all those who joined me in this journey will avail of the last one legal option to right an infirmed election. Until such time that this legal remedy is denied, the fight is not over.” On the other hand, Mr. Yap, who was proclaimed by the Comelec on Thursday morning, said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, “The people have spoken. I have won this election.” — with a report from Carmelito Q. Francisco

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