By I. Inojales | 08:08 PM June 16, 2026
JAGNA, Bohol — The Election Registration Board (ERB) of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Jagna has denied the application of Bohol Vice Governor Nicanor “Nick” Sarabia Besas to transfer his voter registration from Tagbilaran City to Barangay Tubod Mar in Jagna town.
According to the minutes of the ERB hearing conducted on June 1, 2026, Besas’ application was the only voter registration transfer opposed by residents and officials of Barangay Tubod Mar.
Among those who filed objections were Barangay Captain Adriano Iacaran and several members of the Sangguniang Barangay, who questioned Besas’ claim of residency in the village.
During the hearing, Besas presented documents to support his application, including a certification from Colegio de la Medalla Milagrosa showing that he completed his elementary education in Jagna during the 1963-1964 school year, as well as his birth certificate indicating that he was born in the town.
He also submitted a deed of sale for a property he purchased in Barangay Tubod Mar and a lease contract for a house, which he cited as evidence of his intention to return and reside in Jagna.
However, the opposing parties presented a barangay certification stating that Besas is not a bona fide resident of Tubod Mar and is not listed in the barangay’s Record of Barangay Inhabitants (RBI). The certification further stated that he had not participated in barangay assemblies, civic activities, or religious events in the community.
The ERB also conducted its own investigation, including interviews with residents. The board found that many villagers were unfamiliar with Besas and had not seen him regularly in the barangay. It also noted that he was not observed attending community activities such as general assemblies, civic action programs meetings, sanitary evaluations, and other barangay events.
In his defense, Besas said he could not stay regularly at the rented house because of business commitments and only spent short periods in the barangay. However, the ERB said this claim was not supported by testimonies from neighbors and other residents living near the property.
Insufficient and substantial evidence
As a result, the board dismissed his application, citing insufficient and substantial evidence to establish his residency in Jagna for electoral purposes.
The ERB emphasized that residency under election law involves more than physical presence in a locality. It also requires a clear and genuine intention to make the place one’s permanent home or domicile.
In its decision, the board cited Supreme Court rulings in the cases of Romualdez-Marcos v. Comelec and Domino v. Comelec, which held that ownership of property alone is not enough to prove residency without actual residence and a demonstrated intention to remain in the locality.
