Binay, Malonzo steal thunder from league poll winner

Win some, lose some.

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay won his motion to disqualify Caloocan City’s self-proclaimed Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo’s nomination as executive vice president of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), but lost his own bid for the presidency of the organization.

Pro-administration Tagaytay City Mayor Francis Tolentino beat Binay, 64-43, in the race for the LCP presidency.

The LCP elections, held yesterday at the Century Park Sheraton Hotel in Malate, Manila, were delayed for about two hours over Binay’s motion to disqualify nominees who have not been proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as winners in their respective localities in the May 14 polls.

Malonzo, who has yet to be officially proclaimed by the Comelec, opposed the motion, claiming it was unconstitutional as it violated the rights of Caloocan City residents to be represented in the league.

Binay countered that he has nothing personal against Malonzo, saying he presented the issue to establish a guideline for future elections of the league.

To resolve the controversy, Urdaneta City Mayor Amadito Perez suggested that the body vote on the issue.

Malonzo lost his case by a majority vote of 60, but got poetic justice when Binay lost the presidency in the next balloting.

Not even the total support of the 25-strong Mindanao bloc, backed by most Metro Manila mayors, was able to propel him to victory.

Meanwhile, Malonzo vowed to elevate his case to the courts. –Perseus Echeminada