Pamatong seeks lifting of direct contempt order

MANILA, Philippines - Disqualified presidential bet Elly Pamatong yesterday filed a motion for reconsideration with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to seek the lifting of the direct contempt order imposed against him.

Lawyer Oliver Lozano filed the motion on behalf of Pamatong, who said that he did not obstruct the promulgation proceedings of the Comelec Second Division last Wednesday.

“The strong language of the petitioner was expressed in self-defense to shake off the stigma,” Pamatong said, referring to a recent decision of Comelec disqualifying him from the presidential race.

Pamatong was cited in contempt last Wednesday for shouting invectives at Comelec Second Division Commissioners Nicodemo Ferrer, Lucenito Tagle and Elias Yusoph during promulgation of the three disqualification cases filed against President Arroyo and former President Joseph Estrada.

Pamatong stood up during the hearing and shouted at the commissioners: “Mga magnanakaw kayo (you are all thieves)!”

Comelec security officers arrested Pamatong before he left the session hall of the Comelec.

The commissioners have cited him in direct contempt, leading to his imprisonment for 10 days at the Manila City Jail. He was also fined P200.

Pamatong had filed one of the three disqualification cases against Estrada.

He also filed another disqualification case against Mrs. Arroyo who is running for congresswoman in Pampanga. The Comelec also dismissed his complaint against Mrs. Arroyo.

Pamatong said in his motion that there was no more obstruction or interruption on the petition because of the earlier withdrawal of the petition.

Ferrer said that they have not received the petition for withdrawal during the hearing.

The motion showed “there was no malicious contumacy spawned by an evil heart” in Pamatong’s display of temper during the proceeding.

“The passionate repartee of the petitioner was merely intended to make the commissioners realize the moral anguish caused by false accusation that the petitioner has made a mockery of the election process,” the motion added.