The contested election was allowed to proceed by Justice Jane S. Solomon of the New York State Supreme Court (New York County) during a hearing at her sala on Sept. 30.

In the election held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center, Isagani Puertollano received 116 votes for PIDCI president over Ludivina de Asis Hughes who garnered 92 votes.

Six candidates who landed in the win circle for directors were Francis Sison who led the field with 150 votes; Lolit Gillberg, 123; Dr. Baby Bleza, 108; Belen Castillo, 101; Lita Pena, 99; and Paul Verzosa, 98.

The losing candidates for directors and their votes follow:

Edgar Buenconsejo, 88; Tambi Wycoco, 82; Macario Villapando, 80; Wilfredo Macaraeg, 77; Philip Carreon, 75; and Salvador Deauna, 69.

A total of 248 old and new members registered to vote but only 210 voted. Of the 248, 84 were new members. Of the total registered voters, 102 were cast by proxy votes and 35 of them were from the new members.

A total of 102 organizations applied as new members but only 84 applications were approved by the membership committee.

The election was supervised by an election committee chaired by Dr. Benjamin Ileto, who is a PIDCI director. His co-chairs were Tom Rodriguez, Honesto Quijano and Lolita Compas, another PIDCI director who was not present.

Dr. Ileto told the Filipino Reporter that the election returns are in a locked ballot box in the custody of PIDCI president Nimia Lacebal.

“I have the only key,” Dr. Ileto said.