Disqualification Petition Filed Against Dasmariñas Mayor Barzaga Over P50-M Poll Body Donation, Alleged Resource Misuse

DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite — A petition for disqualification has been filed with the Commission on Elections against Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer Austria-Barzaga, a candidate for the Fourth District of Cavite in the Aug. 29 special election.

The verified petition, filed Aug. 13 by lawyer Marian Dupal-Ag Wooldridge, a registered voter of Dasmariñas City, cites Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code and other election laws and regulations. Dupal-Ag Wooldridge said the petition seeks to protect the integrity, fairness and impartiality of the upcoming special election.

The petition raises three main issues.

The first concerns an alleged conflict of interest tied to a ₱50-million financial assistance package from the Dasmariñas city government to the Comelec. The petitioner alleged Barzaga instructed the city council to pass a resolution for the funding before she became a candidate in an election that Comelec itself administers. The petitioner asked the poll body to closely review the documents, resolutions and processes behind the fund.

The second issue involves the distribution of relief goods and other assistance during the election period. The petitioner said the use of public funds or government resources to provide material aid to voters should be examined for possible election offenses, particularly if intended to influence votes. Labeling a distribution effort as “relief” or “ayuda” does not automatically exempt it from scrutiny, the petitioner said, adding that context, timing, funding source, distribution method and targeted beneficiaries should all be considered.

The third issue concerns the alleged use of government resources for political activities, including covered courts, government facilities, barangay personnel and other resources for caucuses or campaign-related activities. The petitioner argued that using government property, facilities and personnel for partisan political activity carries serious legal and ethical implications if it gives a candidate a political advantage.

Dupal-Ag Wooldridge called on Comelec to demonstrate impartiality and independence in handling the case, saying the effort is not a personal fight but a push for a fair, clean and unbiased election.

The allegations in the petition remain unproven and subject to review through Comelec’s process. The filing of the petition does not establish that Barzaga violated any law.

Barzaga is one of the candidates in the Aug. 29 special election for representative of Cavite’s Fourth Legislative District, which covers Dasmariñas City. Comelec is now reviewing the documents and evidence to be submitted by both sides.