Premature release of Comelec decision hit

MANILA, Philippines - An election lawyer complained yesterday to the Commission on Elections that its decision on the disqualification case filed against his client had been leaked out even before it is promulgated.

In a manifestation, lawyer Sixto Brillantes said the draft of the ruling of the Comelec-First Division supposedly disqualifying his client, Palawan Rep. Abraham Khalil Mitra (second district) of the Liberal Party, had already spread in Palawan although the promulgation would be held today.

“Last Saturday, he (Brillantes) was informed via telephone by the chief of staff of respondent that in some areas of the province of Palawan, including the city of Puerto Princesa, persons/individuals identified with the camp of ultra-rich gubernatorial candidate Pepito Alvarez, were circulating an alleged ‘draft’ decision/resolution,” the manifestation shows.

Mitra and Alvarez are rivals for the position of governor of Palawan in the coming May 10 polls.

Brillantes claimed that Alvarez’ camp had been boasting that Mitra would be disqualified by the First Division.

“This shall likewise serve as an expression of apprehension and deep concern of respondent on the existence of probable irregularities respecting the above case and the said existing circulating draft and its possible repercussions on the official resolution scheduled to be promulgated,” he noted. – Sheila Crisostomo