INQUIRER.net Eleksyon 2007

(UPDATE 2) Comelec to LP: Submit evidence within 2 days

INQUIRER.net

Erwin Oliva

MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered the two bickering factions of the Liberal Party to submit evidence on why their respective groups should be recognized as legitimate.

The two-page order, signed by Chairman Benjamin Abalos on March 14, required “parties to submit” evidence to prove whether the amendments to the LP (Salonga) Constitution -- the center of the dispute -- had been ratified or not.

Senator Franklin Drilon heads one faction of the LP while Manila Mayor Lito Atienza leads the other.

Drilon claims that the Salonga Constitution had been ratified while Atienza says otherwise.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the evidence to be submitted by the two factions would serve as basis to decide which group of officers should be recognized.

“We already have decided on this before but Drilon filed a case with the Supreme Court,” Jimenez said.

The Comelec issued the order Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court released its ruling remanding the case of the LP leadership dispute to the poll body.

The High Court gave the Comelec five days to submit its report.

The LP was divided into the Drilon and Atienza factions in 2005 after party leaders gave conflicting views on the legitimacy of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s government.

Drilon and his group withdrew support for Arroyo while Atienza’s wing backed the President.

Following the split, Atienza and his wing held elections within the party, which Drilon’s group claimed was illegal.

The Comelec had called for new elections to end the dispute, prompting the Drilon faction to file a case before the Supreme Court.

But the High Court sent back the case to the Comelec instead of ruling Drilon’s petition.

Originally posted at 2:49 pm

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