Comelec can’t untangle LDP row

The internal dispute within the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) will have to fester a bit longer.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) failed yesterday to resolve the debate that raged after Sen. Panfilo Lacson and actor Fernando Poe Jr. both decided to run for president under the LDP, dividing their supporters within the biggest opposition party in the country.

Lacson filed as the LDP standard-bearer on Dec. 29, as endorsed by LDP secretary general and Makati Rep. Agapito "Butz" Aquino. Poe filed his certificate of candidacy on Jan. 2 under the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP), which includes the LDP bloc of party president Sen. Edgardo Angara.

The Comelec is trying to determine who among Angara and Aquino is the authorized endorser of the party’s standard-bearer, based on the party’s charter.

And Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos insists that the Comelec’s recognition of the KNP does not, in any way, prejudice its decision on the squabble within the LDP.

Abalos said he expects the issue to be settled today, with the scheduled en banc meeting of the seven-member poll body.

"There was no quorum, so we cannot decide on it," Abalos said, noting that none of the six other Comelec commissioners were present yesterday.

"I think it was just me at the Comelec," Abalos said. According to reports, however, at least two Comelec commissioners — Florentino Tuason and Resureccion Borra — said they were not aware there was a meeting yesterday.

This was the third deferment of the Comelec’s meeting to resolve the issue of the LDP split. The Comelec also lacked a quorum on Dec. 31 and Jan. 2, when the poll body initially decided to resolve the issue that would have settled which of the two groups within the LDP will have the privilege given to opposition parties under the law.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, the dominant opposition party is entitled to a copy of all election returns and priority slots among poll watchers.

Abalos was present when President Arroyo filed her certificate of candidacy yesterday accompanied by her running mate, Sen. de Castro, who also filed his certificate of candidacy.

The Comelec chairman said he expects a quorum at the en banc meeting today. — Jose Aravilla