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Friday, January 23, 2004
Comelec rules FPJ can run for president (2nd update, 11:03 am)
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) 1st division dismissed Friday a petition seeking to disqualify movie actor Fernando Poe Jr. or FPJ from running for president in the May elections.
In reaction, lawyer Victorino Fornier, the petitioner, said he will file on Monday an appeal of the decision before the Comelec en banc. If the commission upholds the decision, Fornier said he will elevate the case to the Supreme Court (SC).
"We will not give up the fight," said Fornier in a television interview.
Fornier earlier asked the commission not to allow Poe to run for president because he is not a natural-born Filipino since his parents are foreigners.
Fornier also alleged that Poe is an illegitimate child since his father, Allan Fernando Poe Sr., was already married to a certain Paulita Gomez before he wed Bessie Kelly, mother of FPJ.
Sixto Brillantes, lawyer of Poe, urged Fornier to let the decision stay because he believes that a reversal of the ruling is remote.
Rod Reyes, head of the FPJ media bureau, welcomed the decision of the Comelec 1st division headed by Resurreccion Borra. "The rule of law has prevailed," said Reyes in a television interview.
Michael Defensor, Presidential political spokesman, congratulated the Poe camp. He said the electoral campaign can now dwell on more important issues and platforms of government.
Meanwhile, Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said decision to will go to the commission en banc for ratification. He also said any appeal to the division's ruling has to be filed before the commission en banc.
Abalos refused to comment on the decision saying "the decision speaks for itself."
Supporters of Poe earlier threatened to hold a massive protest if the commission disqualifies Poe from running for the presidency. Sunnex Luzon |
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