SC gives candidates in Puerto recall poll more time to campaign

The Supreme Court ordered yesterday a 15-day extension from Sept. 7 of the campaign period for the mayoral recall election in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, saying the campaign period allowed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was too short.

In a three-page resolution, Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., with the concurrence of 13 other justices, granted the request of Puerto Princesa Mayor Victorino Dennis Socrates and Vicente Sandoval.

The Comelec and members of the Preparatory Recall Assembly were prevented from implementing Comelec Resolution 5673, which scheduled the recall election on Sept. 7.

The Supreme Court also ordered the Comelec to comment within 10 days on the petitions of Socrates and Sandoval.

Socrates had accused former Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Rep. Abraham Mitra and Sandoval, son of Palawan Rep. Vicente Sandoval Sr., of having masterminded the recall move against him.

Socrates alleged that the three connived to force barangay officials to initiate the recall process. He had dismissed the recall assembly as "a sham...a mere rump session."

Last July 2, 346 barangay officials of Puerto Princesa signed a resolution during the Preparatory Recall Assembly, seeking the holding of a recall election against Socrates for supposed loss of confidence in his leadership.

One of the issues raised against Socrates was the significant cuts he had made on the budget for barangays.