Poll body affirms recall petition vs Puerto Princesa mayor

MANILA, Philippines–The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has affirmed its earlier resolution certifying the sufficiency of the recall petition against Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

In a resolution promulgated on Dec. 29, 2014, the Comelec ruled to deny Bayron’s motion for reconsideration “after a careful review of the records and considering the applicable laws.”

The Comelec stood pat on its earlier resolution affirming the recommendation and findings of its Office of the Deputy Executive Director for Operations (ODEDO) on the sufficiency of the petition.

Bayron had filed on April 28, 2014, a motion for reconsideration, arguing that petitioner Alroben Goh’s petition for recall was prematurely filed and failed to conform to the required form and substance. Bayron also questioned the number of supporting signatories to the petition.

But the Comelec was not persuaded by Bayron’s arguments.

“The contentions of Mayor Bayron disregard the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and Resolution No. 7505 which serves as the implementing rules and regulations on recall. Furthermore, it deviates from the pronouncement of the Supreme Court in the case of Claudio v. Comelec” it said.

Goh led the initiation of a recall petition against Bayron, citing loss of trust and confidence by the people of Puerto Princesa City. On

April 1, 2014, the Comelec promulgated Resolution No. 9864 affirming the recommendation of its ODEDO on the sufficiency of the recall petition.