Mitra appeals disqualification

MANILA, Philippines - Palawan Rep. Abraham Kahlil Mitra yesterday filed a motion for reconsideration with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to seek a reversal of his disqualification from the May 10 gubernatorial race in the province.

In a 40-page motion, Mitra said his disqualification by the Comelec First Division was done “via ultra-summary proceedings,” thus depriving Palawan voters of their “right of choice – effectively rendering moot the forthcoming electoral process.”

“The repercussion is dire, damning and terrible, if in error – and more so because jurisprudence even disallows substitution – thereby leaving the adversary unopposed, and the people and electorate without a choice, depriving them of their voice,” he added.

Last week, the Comelec granted the petition of Antonio Gonzales and Orlando Balbon Jr. to disqualify Mitra, a three-term congressman of Puerto Princesa City, on the grounds that he lacked the residency requirement to run for governor.

Mitra moved his residency from the city to the adjacent town of Aborlan in March 2009.