Friday, June 29, 2007 Cliffhanger in Cebu: 4th dist. House, PB seats
UNLESS the Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules on the questioned election returns from Bogo before noon tomorrow, there could be a temporary vacuum in Cebu Province’s fourth district congressional seat, as well as two slots in the Provincial Board (PB).
At noon tomorrow, the terms of those elected in the May 14 elections will officially start.
Most of the election returns (ER) from Bogo have been canvassed and the figures show that PB Member Jose Mari Gastardo and Joven Mondigo Jr. are winning.
But Provincial Elections Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano said they cannot be proclaimed because all the Bogo ERs must be canvassed at the provincial level.
What stands in the way? At least 15 ERs whose authenticity has been questioned, in a case now pending before the Comelec Second Division in Manila.
Bogo has more than 40,000 registered voters.
Congressman-elect Pablo Garcia said there is nothing to be done except wait for Comelec’s decision, as it alone has jurisdiction over the matter.
In 2004, Garcia’s daughter Gwendolyn also had to wait until the afternoon of June 30 before she could be proclaimed governor.
As of press time, the camps of congressional candidates Benhur Salim-bangon and Celestino Martinez III had yet to receive any resolution from Comelec.
The division has to decide whether to order the questioned ERs canvassed, or to use other copies of these ERs. The division heard the case last June 21.
Lawyer Jojie Decal of the Salimbangon camp is still optimistic that the resolution will be issued today or tomorrow.
“Naguol na kaayo mi but we still believe nga naay mogawas nga resolution (We are saddened by this, but we still believe a resolution will be out soon),” said Decal.
Lawyer Inocencio dela Cerna of the Martinez camp said they will wait until tomorrow for the resolution, but will explore other options if no such resolution is issued.
The questioned Bogo ERs were flown to Manila late last May, after the canvassing venue had been changed twice. (MBG/KNT)
