Rally held over delay in election body’s decision on Marcos disqualification cases
A RALLY led by Bayan Muna Party-list was held Tuesday in front of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila to press a division of the poll body to release its decision on three of seven cases filed to disqualify presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.
“Why the long delay? The speedy resolution and the gravity that this decision carry are matters that cannot be taken for granted by the Comelec,” House Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Leader Carlos Isagani T. Zarate said in a statement.
The consolidated cases were submitted for resolution on Jan. 17.
Mr. Zarate said the delay casts doubt on the integrity of the poll body.
“Is there a deliberate ploy to await first the retirement of the three current Comelec commissioners before the decision is promulgated?”
Comelec Chair Sheriff M. Abas and Commissioners Maria Rowena V. Guanzon and Antonio T. Kho, Jr. are ending their respective terms on Wednesday.
Ms. Guanzon announced Friday that she voted for the disqualification of the late dictator’s son as she accused a fellow commissioner of delaying the decision so her unfavorable vote would not be counted.
Ms. Guanzon released her 24-page separate opinion on Monday.
“Whatever the decision will be, the earlier this is decided by the Comelec, the better so as to give the parties ample time to even seek an appeal before the Supreme Court,” Mr. Zarate said.
“What is at stake here is not only the political future of a convicted tax evader but the survival of our country as well.” — Jaspearl Emerald G. Tan
