By Beatrice Puente
(January 28, 2022) – The political party of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos Jr. on Friday urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate one of its outgoing commissioners for announcing her vote on the disqualification cases against the late dictator’s son ahead of the issuance of the decision.
Atty. George Briones, the general counsel of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), accused Comelec commissioner Rowena Guanzon of committing “illegal” acts when she publicized her vote on Marcos’ pending cases through the media on Thursday.
“Because of her premature disclosure or leaking of her unpromulgated dissenting opinion, commissioner Guanzon should be disbarred, with forfeiture of her retirement benefits and lifetime pension because she destroyed the reputation of the institution which these moneys come from,” said Briones in a statement.
Guanzon revealed that she voted to disqualify Marcos’ candidacy in the 2022 elections over his non-filing and non-payment of taxes from 1982 to 1985, saying it constitutes moral turpitude. Guanzon did not disclose the majority vote so it remains unclear if her vote was part of the dissent as claimed.
Guanzon, who will retire on February 2, said a powerful political figure may be trying to influence the other Comelec commissioners to further delay the resolution of the case beyond the initial deadline on January 17. Comelec commissioner Aimee Ferolino is reportedly assigned to write the decision.
Briones claimed Guanzon violated at least two provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct, casting a “cloud of judgment” on her colleagues. Without presenting evidence, Briones also accused Guanzon of being linked to the “yellows” or the color associated with the Liberal Party.
“She has openly sided with presidential candidate Leni Robredo who is the candidate of petitioners, by her undue haste to come out with a decision resorting to illegally leaking her minority opinion to the news media,” claimed Briones.
But Guanzon did not take the accusations sitting down, challenging Briones to a televised debate. She raised the possibility that PFP may be cited for contempt.
“If he (Briones) thinks he is brighter than me, he should agree. They are diverting the issue. Ilabas na ni (commissioner) Ferolino and resolution. Ang talo mag-motion for reconsideration,” said Guanzon on Twitter.
She also pointed out that the Comelec en banc has no jurisdiction over administrative complaints against a commissioner since she’s an impeachable officer. She also wondered if Marcos, who is running under the platform of “unity,” knew about the moves done by his political party.
“BAKIT ANG PARTIDO NI BBM, VINDICTIVE?”
Ito ang naging sagot ni COMELEC Commissioner Rowena Guanzon sa naging pahayag…
Posted by News5 on Thursday, January 27, 2022
“Ang mga Marcos, hindi vindictive. Bakit ang partido ni BBM (Marcos) vindictive? Utos ba ni BBM ‘yan?” asked Guanzon. “Kahit magdildil ako ng asin, lalabanan ko ang masasama at mali. Honor and excellence! Fight!”
Briones has already agreed to the challenge of Guanzon.
(PM)
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