SUPPORTERS of embattled Albay Gov. Noel Rosal have come out to protest a 2022 Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualification order over an alleged violation of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) for releasing public funds during the 45-day campaign spending ban.
Over 20,000 supporters gathered at the Sawangan Park in Legazpi, Albay to petition for Rosal’s reinstatement, which took effect after the Comelec denied his motion for reconsideration. The Comelec First Division, together with the Department of Interior and Local Government, then issued a writ of execution for Rosal to vacate his post and to immediately and peacefully turnover the position to Albay Vice Governor Edcel Lagman Jr.
Led by Fr. Willy Alvarado SOLT, Rosal’s supporters expressed their dismay via a prayer rally and insisted that the poll body uphold the vote of the people.
“We pray that the Supreme Court will hear our appeal to reinstate our Albay Governor Noel Rosal,” said Alvarado. Rosal garnered 469,481 votes and beat former governor Al Francis Bichara.
“The Albayanos voted for Governor Rosal, we want Governor Rosal to be our leader,” Alvarado said, adding: “We will not accept the decision of the Comelec, and we will fight for our votes.” The priest also expressed his concern on the continuity of Rosal’s projects and the democracy in Albay.
“What will happen to the Albayanos? We are longing for Governor Rosal’s leadership. He is very hands-on and he makes sure that we get the right care and service we need,” he said. The demonstration was done to orderly communicate to the high court that they are seeking further investigation on the case.
“We feel robbed of our right to our votes. We are pleading for them to intervene and give the Albayanos clarity and we are praying for them to give back our chosen governor,” Alvarado said. It can be recalled that Rosal’s wife, elected Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal, suffered a similar fate after being involved in the cash aid distribution issue in the same year. According to reports, the couple launched a two-day cash assistance campaign for tricycle drivers and senior citizens.
Governor Rosal has said that the payout was done as part of the local government’s program for its constituents. Meanwhile, the SC released a status quo ante order to halt the disqualification of Mayor Rosal and temporarily stop Rep. Alfredo Garbin from assuming office. Supporters of the governor are hoping for the same intervention from the SC so that a proper investigation can be carried out before any “hasty” rulings are made.
