MANILA, Philippines - Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez was prevented yesterday from entering Camp Aguinaldo, where he was to attend a memorial Mass for his late mother.
In a text message to reporters, he said he was barred by the Gate 4 guard “because my vehicle had political stickers (Sen. Benigno Aquino III for president and Golez for congressman).” He has just joined the Liberal Party, whose standard-bearer is Aquino.
“The Gate 4 guard cited a regulation issued by the camp commander, Brig. Gen. Felipe Tabas, prohibiting the entry of vehicles bearing political stickers or posters,” Golez said.
He said he did not argue with the guard, though he said he will file a complaint with the Commission on Elections against the “medieval action by the camp commander, which violates a citizen’s and taxpayer’s right to express his political preference.”
He quoted the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Adiong vs Comelec: “The posting of decals and stickers in mobile places like cars and moving vehicles does not endanger any substantial government interest. There is no clear public interest threatened by such activity as to justify the curtailment of the cherished citizens’ right of free speech and expression.”
Golez said his visit could not have been construed as a campaign sortie as “my vehicle was alone with no escorts.”
“Sadly, I had to turn back and missed joining my siblings in the memorial Mass held in the St. Ignatius Church inside the camp. But I am filing a complaint against the camp commander for violating election laws,” he said.
Golez is a former Navy officer who served as President Arroyo’s national security adviser. His brother is the flag officer-in-command of the Navy.
About a month ago, Sen. Manuel Villar and running mate Sen. Loren Legarda visited detained Marine Col. Ariel Querubin at Camp Aguinaldo. Querubin is one of Villar’s senatorial candidates.
The military’s leadership accused Villar and Legarda of campaigning insider the camp, where election-related activities should not be done. The two politicians, however, said they just paid Querubin a visit.