Binay told to file request for Comelec control of Makati

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections is waiting for the formal complaint from the camp of vice presidential bet and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay Sr. before deciding whether or not to place Makati under Comelec control.

In a recent Joint Security Control Committee (JSCC) meeting, the Comelec, the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) and the National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) agreed that Binay should forward a letter of complaint to be used as basis in determining whether Makati City be placed under the control of the poll body.

“As of now, we are in the thick of validating allegations against all camps concerned,” said NCRPO chief Director Roberto Rosales, adding that the Comelec has the final say on the issue of placing Makati City under its control.

Rosales said lawyer Michael Dioneda, head of the Comelec National Capital Region (NCR) office, informed Binay last week that the Comelec is waiting for his letter-complaint before convening another JSCC meeting to resolve the issue.

Earlier, mayoralty bet Councilor Jejomar Binay Jr. asked that Makati be placed under Comelec control following the killing of a supporter and the ambush of one of his father’s advisers in Cainta, Rizal recently, which he claimed are politically-motivated.

However, Binay’s opponent, incumbent Vice Mayor Nestor Mercado, claimed that the camp of Binay cannot show proof that the twin incidents are related to politics and there is no need for Makati City be placed under Comelec control.

Despite the recent developments, Rosales deployed intelligence operatives not only in Makati City but also in other areas of Metro Manila to prevent the outbreak of violence with the May elections drawing near.

“We will not allow violent incidents to crop up in Metro Manila. Our intelligence operatives are closely monitoring supporters of politicians, especially in areas where violent incidents were recorded in the past elections,” said Rosales.

In cooperation with NCRCom chief Admiral Feliciano Angue, they would field armed police and military personnel riding tandem on motorcycles to patrol Metro Manila’s streets to maintain peace and order at the height of the campaign period for local candidates.