Comelec orders ouster of Antique gov

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered Antique Gov. Exequiel Javier to vacate his post.

In a writ of execution issued on Jan. 23, the Comelec said Javier should “cease and desist” from performing his functions.

The ouster stemmed from Javier’s illegal suspension of Valderrama Mayor Mary Joyce Roquero during the election period in May 2013.

 Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said enforcement of the order is up to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

 “It’s now a DILG matter because we don’t have the power to enforce it… It is now their responsibility,” Jimenez said.    

Voting 4-2-1, the Comelec on Jan. 13 granted the petition filed by Cornelio Aldon and Raymundo Roquero to disqualify Javier.

The poll body said Javier’s suspension of  Roquero is a ground for disqualification as provided under Section 261 (d) of the Omnibus Election Code.

 Javier had suspended Roquero “to coerce, intimidate, compel or influence him to collaborate with or campaign for the governor or to punish him  for having manifested his political opposition,” the poll body said.

Under the rules on succession, Javier will be replaced by Vice Gov. Rhodora Cadiao.