Pacman's disqualification case far from over

MANILA, Philippines - The disqualification case of boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who is running for congressman in Sarangani, is far from over.

The Sarangani Reconciliation and Reformation Organization (SARRO) said the case it filed against Pacquiao remains pending and has not been dismissed.

SARRO said it sought the disqualification of Pacquiao for lack of one-year residency in Sarangani.

The group said it was lawyer Elly Pamatong’s case that was dropped by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last March 2 and not SARRO’s.

Pamatong wanted Pacquiao and Sen. Lito Lapid disqualified in the May 10 polls for being “nuisance candidates.”

SARRO explained that its case against the boxer logged under SPA 10-032 was not dismissed, while that of Pamatong, case No. 09-088, was dropped by the poll body.

It also pointed out that Pacquiao’s lawyer, Minvelles Gulle, also the lead counsel of the People’s Champ Movement (PCM), failed to establish Pacquiao’s residency in Sarangani.

SARRO stressed that the case it filed against the People’s Champ is based on the candidate’s failure to register (as voter) in Sarangani and meet the one-year residency requirement.

Pacquiao has been staying in his hometown of General Santos City.

The group asked the Comelec to serve summons against Pacquiao and hear the case on its merits.

Earlier, the boxer’s group had sought the disqualification of Pacquiao’s rival Roy Chiongbian for lack of residency but the Comelec dismissed the case. - Alexa Villano