San Fernando Vote Recount Proceeds Amid Election Protest
Residents of the City of San Fernando in Pampanga were taken by surprise as a sudden recount of votes commenced this week. This development follows an election protest filed by the defeated candidate, former Lubao mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, against the incumbent Mayor Vilma Caluag.
Background of the Election Contest
Recall that during the May 12, 2025 elections, Mayor Vilma Caluag emerged victorious over her opponent Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab. The official tally showed Caluag securing 127,124 votes, while Pineda-Cayabyab garnered only 49,061 votes. This significant margin of victory, amounting to over 78,000 votes, initially seemed to solidify Caluag's win.
COMELEC Orders Recount Process
In response to the protest, the COMELEC First Division has issued an order directing the Judicial Records Section to retrieve ballots from 48 pilot protested precincts. These precincts represent approximately 20 percent of the city's total 239 clustered precincts, as cited in the formal complaint.
The recount officially began on Monday, February 2, 2026, with sessions running from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM daily. This rigorous schedule will continue until the entire process is completed, ensuring thorough examination of the contested ballots.
As part of the proceedings, the Division has mandated that Pineda-Cayabyab deposit P627,000 to cover the expenses associated with the recount, a standard procedural requirement in such cases.
Local Sentiment and Political Observations
During the election campaign, Fernandinos and Fernandinas enthusiastically supported Mayor Caluag, with her rallies often drawing large crowds. The rallying cry "Laban Fernandinos" echoed throughout the city, reflecting strong local backing.
Political observers at the time noted that Caluag's victory appeared unquestionable, and many believed that residents would staunchly defend her leadership and the integrity of San Fernando's political landscape.
However, some Fernandinos now express apprehension about the recount's outcome, fearing potential irregularities or "Hokus Pokus" that could undermine the electoral process. Despite these concerns, many locals interviewed by Dateline have vowed to stand by Mayor Vilma Caluag and support her through this legal challenge.
Related Development: Reshuffle in PRO3
In a separate but coinciding event, a reshuffle within the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) occurred on the same Monday. Colonel Frank Estoro, the director of the Tarlac Police Provincial Office, was relieved from his post. He has been replaced by Colonel Joel Mendoza, formerly the director of the Highway Patrol Unit 3.
Taking over Mendoza's previous position is Colonel Sally Mangacop. Sources indicate that further reshuffles within PRO3 may be anticipated in the coming month, as part of ongoing organizational adjustments.
The community now awaits the final results of the recount, which will determine whether the initial election outcome stands or if a reversal is warranted based on the findings from the protested precincts.
