Backers of 2 rivals for mayor’s post hold rallies

SAN PEDRO, Laguna—Supporters belonging to rival parties rallied behind their leaders as the legal battle for the mayoral seat of Imus in Cavite province continued.

Supporters of Homer Saquilayan trooped to the Imus Cathedral for what they called the “walk for truth” on Monday.

Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla joined Saquilayan’s supporters.

At the Municipal Hall just across the cathedral, provincial government employees wore yellow in support of Emmanuel Maliksi, a member of the Liberal Party, who was installed in December by a court ruling that declared him winner in the 2010 elections against Saquilayan.

Saquilayan, of the Nacionalista Party, appealed the case to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) which issued a decision last week reversing the court ruling.

The rallies were peaceful, said Supt. Hersan Mojica, Imus police chief.

Maliksi, who continues to sit as mayor despite the Comelec order, said the continuing battle had affected preparations for the town’s Wagayway Festival on May 28.