Antique gov’s fate now in hands of DILG

Antique Gov. Exequiel Javier. Photo from lpp.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines—It’s up to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to enforce the writ of execution issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ordering Antique Gov. Exequiel Javier to cease and desist from performing the functions as governor of the province.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told reporters it was now in the hands of the DILG on how it will execute the poll body’s Jan. 23 order for Javier to vacate his post.

“Its enforcement is already a DILG matter, it’s now the responsibility of the DILG. The Comelec has no such capability,” said Jimenez.

The Comelec voted earlier this month to remove Javier from his post for suspending Valderrama Mayor Mary Joyce Roquero during the election period in 2013.

The poll body said the ruling was based on Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code, which provides for the disqualification of any candidate or one holding office who violates the code.

In a five-page order dated Jan. 12, the Comelec ruled that Javier’s suspension of Roquero was meant to “coerce, intimidate, compel or influence” her to support the governor or to “punish” her for opposing him.

Last Jan. 23, the Comelec issued a four-page writ of execution of the resolution annulling the proclamation of Javier.

The said Comelec order directed Interior Secretary Mar Roxas to immediately implement the writ of execution.

On Wednesday, reports came out that Javier had refused to step down from his post, citing the pendency of the motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) he filed before the Supreme Court.

According to Jimenez, the absence of a TRO from the high court means that their decision is in full effect and should be implemented.