Javier reassumes Antique gov post

ILOILO CITY—Antique Gov. Exequiel Javier, whose 2013 election victory was nullified by the Commission on Elections but later affirmed by the Supreme Court, will reassume his post today with only six weeks to the May 9 elections.

Javier, who is seeking reelection, said he will return to the governor’s office following the issuance of a writ of execution by the Comelec en banc directing the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to reinstate him.

Anthony Nuyda, DILG-Western Visayas regional director, said his office received a copy of the writ on March 22 but it was not served due to Holy Week break.

“We will try to implement it [Monday]. We see no reason why it will not push through,” Nuyda told the Inquirer on Sunday.

The poll body issued the writ on March 21 directing the DILG and the Comelec offices in Western Visayas and Antique to implement the Jan. 12 ruling of the Supreme Court, upholding Javier’s proclamation in the 2013 elections. The high court’s decision became final and executory on Feb 23.

The writ also ordered Rhodora Cadiao to cease and desist from performing the functions of the governor.

Cadiao earlier said she would leave the post upon receipt of a legal order.

She assumed as governor on Feb. 3 last year after the Comelec annulled Javier’s proclamation.

The poll body ordered the disqualification of Javier and the nullification of his proclamation after it ruled that the governor violated the Omnibus Election Code and committed grave coercion when he ordered the suspension of Mayor Mary Joyce Roquero of Valderrama town during the 2013 election period.

But in its ruling issued on Jan. 12 this year, the high court set aside Javier’s disqualification, pointing out that the provision on grave coercion in the Omnibus Election Code had been repealed by Republic Act No. 7890 enacted on Feb. 20, 1995. It said the offense, while punishable under the Revised Penal Code and by regular courts, is no longer a ground for disqualification of candidates.

The Supreme Court denied a motion for reconsideration filed by Cornelio Aldon and other petitioners on Feb 23.

Javier is running for reelection under the Liberal Party (LP) against Cadiao, a candidate of the National Unity Party.

His son, Antique Rep. Paolo Everardo Javier, is seeking a third term, also under LP.

Javier, younger brother of slain former Gov. Evelio Javier, also served as representative of the province’s lone congressional district for six terms, from 1988 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2010.

He served as governor from 1998 to 2001 and 2010 to 2013. Nestor P. Burgos Jr., Inquirer Visayas