Comelec junks appeals to Marcos DQ cases

- Advertisement -

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday junked the twin motions for reconsideration on the petitions to disqualify presidential candidate former Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who is currently leading the partial and unofficial results of the May 9 polls.

In separate resolutions, the Comelec En Banc denied the consolidated appeals filed by Bonifacio Ilagan, Akbayan party, and Abubakar Mangelen; as well as the plea of Fr. Christian Buenafe.

The commissioners ruled that both MRs offered no new arguments, and instead merely provided “rehash” of their assertions and arguments.

- Advertisement -

“Stripped of non-essentials, the instant Motions for Reconsideration merely contain rehash of Petitioners’ assertions and arguments before the Commission (Former First Division),” said the Comelec.

On the consolidated appeal of Ilagan, Akbayan and Mangelen, the poll body voted 6-0 with 1 inhibition: “Wherefore, in view of the foregoing, the Commission (En Banc) denies Respondent’s Motion for Partial Reconsideration dated 20 January 2022 and affirms the Resolution of the Commission (Second Division).”

“A careful review of the Motion for Partial Reconsideration reveals that it failed to raise new matters or issues that would warrant the reversal of the Assailed Resolution. We find no cogent reason to disturb the findings of the Commission (Second Division),” it added.

The Comelec First Division on February 10 this year denied due to lack of merit the consolidated petitions against Marcos.

Ilagan, Akbayan and Mangelen sought Marcos’ disqualification for his alleged failure to file his income tax return when he was governor and vice governor of Ilocos Norte.

Meanwhile, the Comelec Second Division on January 17 junked the petition of Buenafe also due to its lack of merit.

Subsequently, the petitioners separately appealed their cases to the Comelec En Banc.

In a media briefing, Comelec Clerk of the Commission Dems Gatdula said the petitioners against Marcos may still bring the case before the Supreme Court (SC).

“Parties may file petitions of certiorari at the Supreme Court within 30 days from today, upon receipt of the decision,” said Gatdula.

The decision of the Commission En Banc comes as Marcos continues to run away from the rest of the field based on the partial and unofficial results of the May 2022 polls.

As of the latest tally, Marcos Jr. has already garnered over 30 million votes.

Marcos’ spokesman Victor Rodriguez urged the public to respect the rule of law and the Comelec En Banc decision.

“We are happy to receive the news that the Comelec En Banc has dismissed all the Motions for Reconsideration on the DQ cases which the First and Second Divisions have earlier ruled in favor of frontrunner Bongbong Marcos. We have always believed that the poll body will stay true to its mandate to deliver a fair, honest and credible elections, including the dismissal of unmeritorious and politically motivated petitions such as these. The unanimous En Banc decision has proven, once and for all, that no amount of undue political pressure can weaken the resolve of the honorable Commission to be on the side of truth and justice,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said Marcos was already aware of the poll body’s decision. — With Jocelyn Montemayor

Author

- Advertisement -

Share post: