Durano gets allies in move vs Comelec

CEBU, Philippines – Closer to his proclamation for second term in Congress, Rep. Pastor Alcover of the Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) partylist has joined Cebu 5th district Rep. Ramon "Red" Durano VI in moving to defer the 2011 budget of the Commission on Elections.

Alcover said that more partylist representatives who, like him, believe they have been "demonized" by Comelec for delaying their proclamation for months, will hit back at the concerned election officials.

"Pakurugon ko na ang Comelec inig-lingkod nako. Grabe ang corruption sa Comelec. Kun ato i-tolerate ang ka demonyohan sa Comelec, sama ra nga demonyo sad ta," Alcover said.

Aside from ANAD, other groups whose proclamation were also delayed are the Ako Bicol; Buhay Hayaan Yumabong (BUHAY); 1st Consumers Alliance for Rural Energy (1-CARE); Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC); LPG Marketers Association, Inc. (LPGMA); Ang Asosayon Sang Manguguma Nga Bisaya-Ow Mangunguma, Inc. (AAMBIS-OWA); Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC);1-UTAK; Advocacy for Teacher Empowerment Through Action Cooperation and Harmony Towards Educational Reforms (A Teacher); and Butil Farmer Party (BUTIL).

Alcover said that the nominees of these groups already expressed support to his cause.

The Comelec En Banc affirmed the earlier decision of the Comelec First Division to cancel or nullify the second Certificate of Nomination and Certificate of Acceptance filed by the group of David Odilao Jr. by denying the motion for reconsideration.

Alcover is expecting to be proclaimed within the week and take back his seat in the House of Representatives

Durano has started his move on his threat to have the budget of the Comelec deferred for next year pending resolution of the election dispute in the municipality of Compostela in his district.

Durano got mad after he was accused by DILG 7 Director and acting Compostela officer-in-charge Pedro Noval of deceiving the people when he delivered a privilege speech in the House of Representatives last week.

Noval denied accusing Durano of deceiving the people. For him, he was merely presenting facts and information that refute the statement of Durano.

Durano said he will move in the House for the deferment of the 2011 budget for the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Comelec until the issue in Compostela, which belong to his district, will be resolved.

Compostela still has no mayor as Comelec has yet to resolve the election protest filed by former mayor Ritchie Wagas against proclaimed Mayor Joel Quiño.

Quiño took his oath as mayor but was not able to assume office when his proclamation along with other newly elected officials was suspended by the Comelec.

The DILG appointed Noval as caretaker and acting mayor of Compostela.

In his speech, Durano said that Compostela's treasury is nearing bankruptcy, basic services are suffering and the peace and order is deteriorating because there is no duly-elected mayor to take charge.

Noval, however, said official records from the PNP and the banks would show that these are not true. (FREEMAN)