Bulakenyos fear impact of Supreme Court decision on polls

CALUMPIT, Bulacan , Philippines  – Bulakenyos are apprehensive on the possible ramifications on the incoming polls of the Supreme Court (SC) decision on Tuesday that prevented former Bulacan governor Roberto Pagdanganan, who was declared the winner in the 2007 race by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), from assuming office.

Jimmylito Yaneza, a pastor of the Primitive Baptist Church in Pandi town, said the SC decision has undermined the credibility of the Comelec that proclaimed Pagdanganan thrice as duly elected governor of the province.

“If that is the case, then it’s better that the Comelec be abolished,” he said in Filipino.

For his part, Pagdanganan said the SC should not undermine Comelec decisions.

He sought an investigation into the alleged leakage of the SC decision, alleging that the camp of Gov. Joselito Mendoza began celebrating hours before the tribunal announced its ruling on Tuesday.

Pagdanganan said he would file a motion for reconsideration upon receipt of a copy of the SC decision.

Mendoza, meanwhile, said he was humbled by the SC ruling, as he did not expect it.

“This is already my second life as governor,” he said.

In favoring Mendoza, the SC stopped the implementation of a Comelec order for him to vacate the governor’s office and give way to Pagdanganan.

The SC said the Comelec abused its power when it ordered Mendoza on March 4 to leave the provincial capitol in favor of Pagdanganan.

On March 8, Mendoza’s lawyers filed a petition before the SC arguing that the Comelec’s March 4 order lacked the majority vote of the commissioners.

Pagdanganan filed an election protest against Mendoza in June 2007, alleging massive electoral fraud.

In July last year, Pagdanganan said he was ahead in the recount by more than 45,000 votes, but Mendoza secured a status ante order that lasted until October.

Last Dec. 1, the Comelec’s Second Division issued a resolution in favor of Pagdanganan, saying he won by 4,321 votes over Mendoza.

On Feb. 8, the Comelec affirmed the Second Division’s ruling, and on March 4, issued a similar decision. On March 5, Pagdanganan got a writ of execution.

The writ was posted on the walls of the capitol building on March 8 after Mendoza’s supporters barricaded themselves in front of the capitol.

On March 9, the SC issued a status quo ante order, giving Mendoza relief until March 16.  – With Edu Punay