Supreme Court extends relief for Bulacan governor

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday extended temporary relief to Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza for at least another week after deferring a ruling on his petition assailing the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to unseat him from the capitol.

The SC decided to extend until its next full session on Tuesday next week the status quo order enjoining the Comelec from implementing its decision that declared former agrarian reform secretary Roberto Pagdanganan winner in the 2007 gubernatorial race, spokesman Midas Marquez said.

“The justices still have to resolve issues in the case, including whether or not the petition is a violation of rules against forum shopping and the main issue of whether or not the Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion in ousting him,” he said.

Marquez said the restraining order stays until March 23 when the SC justices are expected to resolve the petition.

“This means that the prevailing condition prior to filing of the petition – where Mendoza is still the governor – shall remain,” he said.

Marquez said the case has been submitted for resolution in the next full SC session since the respondents, the Comelec and Pagdanganan, have already filed their comments and Mendoza has also submitted his reply.

Reacting to the SC move, Pagdanganan said, “This is justice delayed, justice denied… This is injustice by installment.”

He said the extension order does not only undermine the Comelec’s capability to be the sole body which can decide on poll protests but also reinforces the “shadow of doubt” on the SC’s integrity.

“I won the election and yet the law is on the side of the illegally seated governor. Is this the kind of ‘moral force’ that the SC is talking about?” he asked in a statement.

For his part, Mendoza said he remains confident that the SC will hand down a favorable decision next week.

At the Bulacan capitol, provincial employees have been holding prayer vigils since Monday.

Uniformed policemen continue to patrol the compound which supporters of Mendoza and Pagdanganan have deserted.   – With Dino Balabo