Marinduque lawmaker’s case now with HRET – Gonzales

MANILA, Philippines - The disqualification case of incoming Marinduque Rep. Regina Reyes is now with the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET), Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said yesterday.

“The Supreme Court (SC) itself, in several previous cases, has ruled that once a House member is proclaimed, the HRET acquires jurisdiction over questions about his or her election and her qualification,” he told reporters.

He said the ruling also applies to party-list groups that have been proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Gonzales was commenting on the SC decision dismissing Reyes’ appeal on her disqualification by the Comelec.

The provincial board of canvassers proclaimed Reyes before the poll body ruled on her disqualification case with finality.

The incoming Marinduque representative has taken her oath of office before Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. She is taking part in the ongoing four-day House-sponsored orientation for neophyte members.

She beat outgoing Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco, son of SC Justice Presbitero Velasco, who also chairs the HRET. She ran under the ruling Liberal Party.

Since Reyes has been proclaimed and has taken her oath, Gonzales said the House has recognized her as the elected representative of Marinduque.

Outgoing Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas, Reyes’ husband, said they were trying yesterday to get a copy of the SC decision on his wife’s appeal.

He said it is possible the court threw out the appeal for lack of jurisdiction.

Contrary to Velasco’s claim, Mandanas said his dual citizen-wife, who is a lawyer, gave up her American citizenship before filing her certificate of candidacy.

“Being a lawyer, she knows the requirements of the law,” he added.