Mitra elevates disqualification case to Supreme Court

MANILA, Philippines - Palawan Rep. Abraham Mitra questioned before the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disqualify him from running for governor of his province.

In a petition, Mitra asked the SC for a temporary restraining order stopping the Comelec from enforcing its decision.

“The Mitras have always been from Palawan, unlike my opponent who is from Cagayan de Oro City,” he told reporters.

His opponent is businessman Jose Alvarez, who made billions from logging in Palawan, where cutting of trees is now banned.

The case against Mitra stemmed from his transfer of residence in March last year from Puerto Princesa City to Aborlan town since Puerto Princesa became a highly urbanized city and its residents no longer vote for provincial officials.

He also registered as a voter in Aborlan.

“My opponent did not question my registration then. My opponent, who is not doing well in surveys, brought the electoral contest from the communities in our province to the Comelec offices in Manila,” he said.

Mitra said his gubernatorial opponent is also behind the disqualification of his governor and political ally, Joel Reyes, who is seeking the congressional seat he currently occupies.

Mitra and Reyes have served for nine years as congressman and governor, respectively.

“It is ironic that a non-Palaweño has successfully work for the disqualification of genuine Palaweños who want to continue serving their province mates,” Mitra said.

He said the Comelec should focus on solving glitches in the automation of the elections “instead of disqualifying qualified and legitimate candidates.”