Escudero: Comelec’s disqualification of Poe ‘unfortunate, wrong’

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

“Unfortunate” and “wrong” were how Senator Francis Escudero described on Wednesday the decision of the Commission on Election’s (Comelec) second division to disqualify Senator Grace Poe for allegedly making false statements on her period of residency in the country and her status as a natural-born Filipino.

READ: Comelec 2nd division disqualifies Grace Poe from presidential race

“The Comelec decision is both unfortunate & wrong. It ignored jurisprudence & interpreted the law to render injustice rather than justice,” Escudero, running mate of Poe in the 2016 elections, wrote on his Twitter account.

“We will, nevertheless, follow the process & keep our faith in the justice system. I firmly believe that Sen. Grace will prevail in the end,” he said.

Escudero noted how the Comelec prioritized the disqualification case against Poe out of the many other presidential candidates, who have filed their certificates of candidacy.

READ: Comelec disqualifies Grace Poe

Responding to a follower’s question if he could substitute for Poe once the decision to disqualify her becomes final, Escudero said: “No po. There is no ‘substitution’ for an independent candidate under the law. We will appeal this decision of the Comelec po.”

Escudero earlier said that Poe can appeal the case in the Comelec en banc which is composed of seven members and whoever loses in the appeal can elevate the case before the Supreme Court. RAM

READ: Escudero: Poe can appeal disqualification before Comelec en banc