INQUIRER.net Eleksyon 2007

Comelec to enforce rule vs Bulacan governor Monday

Philippine Daily Inquirer

CITY OF MALOLOS, Philippines—If unseated Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza fails to get a temporary restraining order by Monday, he would have to step down and yield his post to Roberto Pagdanganan, the provincial election supervisor said Saturday.

Sabino Mejarito, Bulacan election supervisor, said he will implement on Monday the writ of execution on the Commission on Elections’ March 4 order that reaffirmed its decision to unseat Mendoza in favor of Pagdanganan.

The Comelec, after a recount, declared Pagdanganan the winner in the 2007 gubernatorial race. It ordered Mendoza to cease and desist from performing the functions of Bulacan governor.

The decision spurred a confrontation over a three-year-old case that could turn bloody two months before Bulacan elects its next governor.

“That’s the problem. If Mendoza fails to get a TRO, then I will serve the writ,” Mejarito said.

Mendoza’s supporters have started gathering at the provincial capitol to stop Pagdanganan from taking the post.

He said he would talk to Mendoza and Pagdanganan on Monday to pave the way for a smooth transition.

Jolette Fajardo, Mendoza’s lawyer, said they will go to the Supreme Court on Monday to seek a TRO.

“Hopefully we can get it on the same day. If not, [we hope to get a TRO on] Tuesday, [which is the] en banc meeting of the SC,” he said.

On Friday night, Pagdanganan met his supporters at the forest park at the provincial capitol compound.

While he took his oath before a notary public, he did not proceed to the capitol to assume the post.

Pagdanganan said he would assume the post on Monday to defuse the tension between his and Mendoza’s supporters.

Zoilo Perlas, Comelec Central Luzon director, said Pagdanganan may file a motion for execution pending Mendoza’s appeal.

“Pagdanganan can file for a motion for execution with the Comelec en banc pending appeal. If the Comelec grants it, he can assume the post,” Perlas said.

Supt. Manuel Lukban Jr., head of the Bulacan police’s mobile group, said about 100 policemen have been stationed at the capitol compound to maintain order as the conflict on the province’s leadership continues.

On May 10, about two months from now, the province will elect a new set of officials starting from governor, mayors, councilors to members of the provincial board. Carmela Reyes-Estrope, Inquirer Central Luzon

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