Erap nephew ousted as gov

MANILA, Philippines - Voting unanimously, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday ordered Laguna Gov. Jeorge “ER” Ejercito to step down from his post after it found him guilty of overspending in the 2013 polls.

In a 21-page resolution, the Comelec upheld an earlier decision disqualifying Ejercito, a nephew of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, as it junked his motion questioning the ruling of the poll body’s first division.

“The Comelec First Division found out that Ejercito exceeded his authorized campaign spending limit in the May 2013 elections. We do not find any sufficient reason that will justify a reversal of its findings,” the Comelec said.

Records showed Ejercito was allowed to spend only P4.5 million for the campaign. He allegedly spent more than P23 million, including the P6.4 million he reportedly paid for television advertisements.

Voting 7-0, the poll body said it has no reason not to uphold the earlier ruling of the first division.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brilantes Jr. said Ejercito’s violation was supported by documents, particularly his contracts with television networks.

“Documentary evidence showed he exceeded his campaign expenses above and beyond what is allowed by law. There is no doubt in our decision and that’s why the voting was unanimous,” Brillantes said.

Based on the rule of succession, Brillantes said Laguna Vice Gov. Ramil Hernandez would replace Ejercito.        He said the poll body would no longer accept any appeal from Ejercito.

The Comelec gave Ejercito five days upon receipt of the order to file a petition for a temporary restraining order with the Supreme Court.

Otherwise, the Department of the Interior and Local Government will implement the ruling.

The Comelec decision stemmed from a petition for disqualification filed by Ejercito’s political rival Edgar San Luis.

Brillantes said Ejercito’s disqualification comprised only the administrative aspect of his case. The Comelec is now studying if it can pursue election offense case against him.

“This is a matter of unseating him as governor. The criminal aspect will still have to go through the process of preliminary investigation. We now have an order to check whether there should be a criminal prosecution,” he said.

Brillantes gave assurance that politics was not involved in the ruling, as Ejercito belongs to the United Nationalist Alliance party.

“We are trying to show the Comelec will not tolerate overspending. We are strict in implementing the campaign finance law regardless of who is involved,” he said.

Ready to take legal steps

Ejercito, 50, said he is ready to take legal action against the disqualification order of the Comelec, once he receives the document.

“I will bring this matter to the Supreme Court and I am confident the SC will uphold the rule of law and the voice of the 550,000 voters of Laguna who voted for me,” Ejercito said in a text message to The STAR.

He expressed confidence the SC would uphold the mandate of the people, whom he said entrusted to him the leadership of the province during the 2010 and 2013 elections.

He thanked all his supporters and the people of Laguna who continue to believe in his governance, as well as the cause which he stands for.

A source from the Ejercito camp said the governor’s lawyers were preparing the documents to seek a TRO.

An information officer of Ejercito said the governor was confident he could secure a TRO within five days.

Ejercito told The STAR that politics was behind the filing of a disqualification charge against him.

He had served as Pagsanjan town mayor for three straight terms from 2001 to 2010 before winning the governorship.

Singled out

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said the Comelec singled out Ejercito over other candidates accused of overspending during the 2013 elections. – With Ed Amoroso, Arnell Ozaeta, Jose Rodel Clapano