The group Pudno Nga Ilokano filed on Friday, April 8, an "Extremely Urgent Second Motion to Resolve" before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in relation to the disqualification case they filed against presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
The group is composed of These were Margarita Salonga Salandanan, Crisanto Palabay, Mario Ben, Danilo Consumido, Gil Derilo, Raoul Tividad, Nida Gatchalian and Nomer Kuan.
In their motion, the petitioners stated that it is barely a month before the upcoming May 2022 elections. They said that it is "unfair" for the petitioners, the respondent as well as the voting public and a "violation" of the “due process” clause that a ruling on a matter that directly impacts on who could legally occupy an office, especially the highest position in the government is unduly delayed.
"This undue delay in resolving the instant case despite the repeated emphasis on its transcendental importance, opens to question and speculation the integrity and competence of the Honorable Commission to carry out its Constitutional mandate," the motion read.
The petitioners also mentioned that the case had been submitted for resolution more than two months ago and a Motion to Resolve was also filed last month on March 4.
They said that despite these factors, the poll body remains mum and that they are "despondent" and "downhearted" that the commission "does not comply" with its own rule that petitions for disqualification shall be decided summarily despite the serious and adverse consequences that its late resolution of the issues in the instant Petition may have on the country’s future.
In their petition, petitioners said respondent is disqualified to run for or to hold any elective position, much less for the position of Philippine president, citing the following reasons:
- For having been found guilty by final judgment of crimes involving "moral turpitude" pursuant to Section 12 of the Omnibus Election Code.
- For having been found guilty, by final judgment, of a crime that carries the penalty of more than 18 months also pursuant to Sec. 12 of the OEC.
- For having been actually sentenced to prison correccional and is thereby effectively deprived of his "right ot suffrage" pursuant to Article 43 of the revised penal code in relation to Sec. 2 Article VII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
Also in view of his conviction for violation of Sec. 45 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1977 which in itself already carries the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office pursuant to Sec. 286 of the NIRC of 1977.
Their petition for disqualification is the seventh and final case filed against Marcos Jr. which is currently being handled by the Comelec Second Division.