MANILA, Philippines — Laguna Governor Emilio Ramon "ER" Ejercito said he will go to the Supreme Court to seek the reversal of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) decision to unseat him from his post due to alleged election overspending.
Ejercito was disqualified by Comelec First Division in September 2013 and was ordered to step down on Tuesday when election commissioners unanimously voted to affirm the earlier decision.
In a text message to Philstar.com, Ejercito said that he is confident that the high tribunal will "uphold the rule of law and the voice of 550,000 voters of Province of Laguna" who chose him as governor.
"I am prepared to take legal action against the disqualification order of the Comelec once we receive the documents. I will bring this matter to the Supreme Court," he said.
He also said Laguna residents are on his side as they have entrusted him to become governor in 2010 and 2013.
"Lalaban po tayo legally!!! Jesus Christ and (Laguna patron) Our Lady of Guadalupe will protect us Lagunaeños from harm," Ejercito added.
Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said on Wednesday that Ejercito, also film actor and director, allegedly spent P23 million for Laguna's more than 1.52 million registered voters in his 2013 campaign, based on documents from provincial hall. Comelec rules allow candidates to spend P3 only per voter.
Brillantes said Ejercito may seek relief before the Supreme Court within five days.