DILG will not recognize Corro, De Leon, Granada

The Department of Interior and Local Government yesterday maintained it will not recognize the newly declared winners in the 2007 elections in Tudela and Daanbantayan until the court issues a Writ of Execution of Judgment, even pending appeal. 

“We still recognize the existing mayors and vice mayors,” said DILG Regional Director Pedro Noval Jr. during yesterday’s 18th PNP Day celebration in which he was a guest.

Following a recount, the Regional Trial Court in Bogo City has declared Engr. Agusto Corro and running mate, Dr. Jose de Leon to have won against proclaimed Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura and Vice Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot.

The RTC in Danao City, meanwhile, ruled that Demetrio Granada has won over proclaimed Tudela Mayor Rogelio Bacquerfo.

But Noval said that until the court issues a Writ of Execution of Judgment, DILG will continue to recognize the earlier-proclaimed candidates as the officials of the towns.

As of yesterday, both the courts in Bogo and Danao City have not issued a Writ of Execution of Judgment, thus the earlier resolutions on the recount are still ineffective, Noval said. 

In a radio interview, Granada said he would not step down from office unless it is the court or the Comelec who would order him to do so.

The provincial police office already sent augmentation forces to maintain peace and order in the said town.

Meanwhile, Cebu Provincial Police Office director Carmelo Valmoria assured that there are still enough troops who can maintain safety in Tudela and Daanbantayan.

He said a team from the province’s Special Reaction Unit has already been sent to both towns. — Edwin Ian Melecio with Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO