Republic of the Philippines

PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL NORTE

Municipality of Kauswagan

ANSWER WITH COUNTER-PETITION FOR INELIGIBILITY

In response to the petition filed by the players of Barangay Tacub

Basketball Team, we vehemently deny the allegations that ASNAWI
BALOWA, ASNOR BALOWA and ASHARY BALOWA did not meet the
eligibility requisites to participate in the Annual Town Fiesta Basketball
League for the following reasons:

1. The allegation that the Balowas’ are not a bona fide resident of
Kauswagan, Lanao del norte are false, baseless, and unmeritorious
since they have been a resident for a period beyond the minimum
residency requirement stated in the Rules and Regulations of the said
league. In fact, it was duly certified by no less than the Punong
Barangay, Hon. Angelo “Lolong” Acaso and attested by the Purok 1
President, Lorgusnida M. Mohamad, that they have been a bona fide
Kauswaganon since July 28, 2021. Attached herein is a copy of the
Barangay Certificate as “Annex A”;

2. With respect to their humble abode, it is situated in Purok 1, Brgy.

Poblacion, Kauswagan Lanao del norte adjacent to the house of
Retired Police Officer Misteryoso Aranco which can be verified by the
records of Purok 1 President, Mrs. Mohamad, a photograph of which
is herein attached as “Annex B”;

3. Based on their allegations, it can be inferred that the petitioners’

unsupported and wanton accusations merely grounded on the fact
that they have not seen by the athletics community of the town.
Popularity and actual recognitions cannot be the foundations of
determining residency, but by the actual intent to reside in his home.
This may be proven by a Barangay Certificate issued by the
Barangay, which were already complied by them.

4. The Balowa’s are also one of the pioneers here in Kauswagan since
they are a close relative of the Mohamad Clan. There can be no
doubt that the subject persons have been residing in this place for a
very long time, and its actual intent to reside cannot be measured by
the whimsical thoughts of the petitioner;

5. It is settled tradition that one who alleges bad faith committed by his
adversary must prove it. It can be gleaned from their petition that
there was no proof supporting their arguments that the subject
persons are not a bona fide resident of this town. They just merely
state a general allegation which implies uncertainty of their gathered
rumors or in ordinary parlance, hearsay or “chismis”. In our judicial
 system, this kind of petition lacks merit and the court will consider this
as a mere scrap of useless paper. If we are to entertain this kind of
unjustified and malicious petitions, it would be a mockery to our
regulations and a waste of time, resources and effort to this
honorable committee since anyone can file it without presenting any
supporting evidence of his or her pleadings;

6. As to their allegation of unfairness, the petitioners are in fact the ones

who disregard fairness because they imported a certain GERIC
CANETE as part of their roster, who is popularly known as a
Commercial player. This means that Mr. Canete possesses skills
similar to a professional player, which should not be part of the
participating players in this amateur league because of a huge
handicap in skills, training and experience. Moreover, Mr. Canete
failed to write his residency in the list of players as shown in the
records attached herein as “Annex C”. This failure implies ambiguity
in his residency in this blessed town and constitutes a fatal defect in
his eligibility.

WHEREFORE, the respondent Brgy. Poblacion Basketball Team

respectfully prays to this honorable committee that this petition be
quashed and that Mr. Geric Canete be stricken out from the rosters of
Brgy. Tacub Basketball Team. All other just and equitable relief are
likewise prayed for.

Sincerely,
GOLDENMER BASKETBALL TEAM