Comelec seeks SC extension to resolve LP row

The Commission on Election (Comelec) has asked the Supreme Court for more time to resolve the leadership dispute in the Liberal Party, according to a poll official.

Comelec Commissioner Resurrecion Borra noted that the poll body is still reviewing the evidence submitted by the two factions fighting for supremacy over the party. The factions are headed by Sen. Franklin Drilon and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

"The commission has requested the Supreme Court for an extension. We are analyzing the compliance of the two wings," Borra added.

The case was pending in the Supreme Court until recently when it directed the Comelec to resolve which between the two factions should represent the party in the coming May 14 polls.

The case stemmed from a petition filed by the Drilon wing, questioning the authority of the Comelec to call for an election of party officers in Nov. 2006.

The Atienza wing had conducted an election attended by LP’s national executive council members that ousted Drilon as party president. The election was held following Drilon’s announcement that the party had wanted President Arroyo to resign at the height of allegations that she cheated in the 2004 polls. – Sheila Crisostomo