Comelec in standoff over FPJ citizenship

A standoff appears to have emerged at the Commission on Elections after a resolution junking a disqualification suit against leading presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. was circulated among Comelec commissioners for signing without the chairman’s knowledge.

Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos denied knowledge of the resolution but in a way admitted its existence.

"Why don’t you ask those who signed the resolution?" Abalos told The STAR. "I don’t know anything about that."

However, Commissioner Ralph Lantion, who stepped down Monday with Commissioner Luzviminda Tancangco after completing his seven-year term, said the resolution that was circulated for signing was a mere "draft."

Lantion said it’s a common practice at the Comelec to circulate a "draft resolution" for the commissioners to affix their signatures to. "If Abalos signs the certification then the draft becomes official," he explained.

"That is how democratic we are at Comelec. You could make your own objections and opinions but until Chairman Abalos signs the certification, it remains a draft," said Lantion, noting that commissioners could change their vote at the last minute even in instances where a single vote can spell the difference.

A hearing was conducted yesterday at the Comelec en banc but the parties were eventually told to submit their respective memoranda and the case was submitted for resolution.

The hearing was earlier requested by Poe’s lawyer, Sixto Brillantes, who at the last minute asked that it be canceled. But Abalos went on with the hearing, saying a notice had already been sent to the petitioners.

Rumors are circulating that the administration may not name replacements for Lantion and Tancangco until Congress adjourns to dispense with the requirement of having the appointments approved by the Commission on Appointments.

The two new commissioners could tilt the balance at the Comelec toward the disqualification of Poe. The President has three other appointees at the poll body.

The STAR learned that a resolution dismissing the disqualification case against Poe has been made, with four Comelec commissioners signing it.

Among those who signed were Lantion, Commissioners Rufino Javier, Mehol Sadain, and Resurreccion Borra. Both Borra and Javier, together with Tancangco, are part of the Comelec’s first division that earlier ruled to dismiss the petition.

But when asked if it’s possible for Abalos to continue withholding the certification, Lantion replied: "I don’t think my chairman will shy away from this responsibility."

Abalos earlier hinted that the Supreme Court may be the best forum to decide the petition since its ruling will ultimately prevail.

A similar petition to disqualify Poe has been filed before the Supreme Court.