Taft, Eastern Samar

Taft is a 4th class municipality in the province of Eastern Samar, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 16,435 people in 3,186 households. The town was named after United States President William Howard Taft.

Barangays

Taft is politically subdivided into 24 barangays.

2007 Election

During the May 14, 2007 Election for National and Local offices, COMELEC placed Taft on the election watch list to closely monitor conduct at the polls and ensure a free and fair election.

2004 election controversy

In the 2004 elections, Diego Lim, a civil engineer, defeated incumbent mayor Francisco "Atsing" Adalim. His running mate, Nestor Cebreros likewise defeated incumbent vice mayor Cornelio Adel.

Adalim and Adel filed election protests at the Regional Trial Court. Judge Elvie Lim decided in favor of Adalim and Adel, invalidating several hundred votes such that Adalim and Adel won by 456 and 802 votes respectively. Judge Lim based his decision on the findings that most of the ballots counted in favor of Lim were tampered with.

On March 8, the Comelec denied Lim's petition for injunction, paving the way for Adalim's recognition by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

External links

* [http://www.taft-esamar.gov.ph Municipality of Taft]
* [http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
* [http://www.t-macs.com/kiso/local/ 2000 Philippine Census Information]