Reconsider Albay governor DQ, Comelec urged

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been urged to reconsider its decision disqualifying Albay Gov. Noel Rosal and his wife, Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal.

The poll body disqualified the Rosal couple for violating a ban on government spending before the May 2022 polls.

The Rosals reportedly distributed cash assistance to tricycle drivers and senior citizens from March to April, which occurred within the 45-day ban on the release of public funds.

“The local poll body should have considered the arguments raised by the people that their votes were not bought, but that they voted for the Rosals,” Bishop Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi City said.

“We want justice for our governor, who has done so much for his constituents. We will support him all the way until we find justice for him,” he added.

Baylon expressed fear that the disqualification of the Rosals would pave the way for the resumption of illegal quarry activities around Mayon Volcano.

Prior to the filing of the disqualification case, Rosal ordered the illegal quarrying stopped.

“Here is a leader who is trying to do his best. He did it not for aggrandizement or to be elected. He has been doing this long before the elections, like what he did to help and protect our people from the pandemic,” Baylon said.

“I can attest to the fact that the incumbent governor is not an arrogant, abusive leader. Nor did he enrich himself in his position,” he added.

Parish priest Fr. Rex Paul Arjona of St. Roch Parish in Taysan town lamented how disqualification cases undermined the will of the electorate.