Benhur-Tining face-off sought

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Solicitor General is requesting the Supreme Court for an oral argument in order for Cebu 4th district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon and former Bogo Mayor Celestino “Tining” Martinez III to ventilate all arguments in open court and for the SC members to be given the opportunity to interpolate the two contending parties.

The petition signed by acting Solicitor General Alberto Agra will properly guide the SC in disposition of all issues raised by both parties and in the determination of the true will of the people of Cebu’s fourth congressional district.

It has also asked that the “immediately executory” character of the January 12, 2010 decision of the SC declaring Martinez as the winner in the May 2007 congressional race be held in abeyance while awaiting resolution of all pending incidents, so as not to render their instant motion moot and academic.

The motion said that if the SC will not honor all issues pertaining to the electoral controversy, it maybe construed as a denial of due process of law and will deprive justice to the electorate of the fourth district.

The proposal also asked the SC a remand of the case to the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal to determine the facts available and to clear any doubt of the election result.

Meanwhile, the names of all congressmen were called to determine a quorum but only Salimbangon’s name was called. Martinez was not mentioned in the January 25 session.

Salimbangon said that Martinez’s name was not mentioned since he is not in the list of congressmen.

But Martinez, in an interview with The FREEMAN, said that he was set to deliver his privilege speech but there was no quorum that would allow him to express his side.

Salimbangon, for his part, denied allegations made by Martinez that a notice has been served to vacate his office. – Marjun A. Baguio/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)