MANILA—The Commission on Elections said it is willing to allow Laguna Gov. Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito to remain in post until Tuesday to give the Supreme Court ample time to act on the governor’s petition for a temporary restraining order against the election body.
The Comelec as a whole unanimously affirmed last Wednesday the disqualification and removal from office of Ejercito for overspending in the 2013 midterm elections.
Laguna Governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito. ROMY HOMILLADA
According to Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes, Ejercito had a five-day period until Monday within which to file a motion for reconsideration or obtain a temporary restraining order against the Comelec’s ruling that he vacate his post.
“If there is no TRO by Monday, we can still wait for it the next day, Tuesday, when the SC holds [an en banc] meeting. If he secures a TRO by Tuesday, it’s still acceptable… he won’t be removed from office. We are not unreasonable,” Brillantes said in a radio interview.
But after Tuesday and there is no order from the Supreme Court, Brillantes said, the decision of the Comelec disqualifying Ejercito would be deemed executory.
“By Wednesday or Thursday, we will already have the decision sent to the Department of Interior and Local Government for implementation,” said Brillantes.
Upon Ejercito’s removal, the law of succession will apply, which means Vice Gov. Ramil Hernandez will be taking over as Laguna governor, Brillantes said.
Ejercito on Friday asked the Supreme Court to stop the Comelec from implementing its decision.
In a 22-page petition for certiorari, Ejercito asked the high court to nullify the Comelec’s resolution.
Ejercito said the Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion when it disqualified him as the petition filed against him was only for the Comelec to initiate criminal proceedings for violation of election laws.
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