Comelec division junks DQ case vs Duterte

MANILA, Philippines –The Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division on Monday dismissed one of the disqualification cases against presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

The first division dismissed the petition filed by University of the Philippines University Student Council Chair John Paulo delas Nieves, after Nieves missed attending the preliminary conference on the case.

Nieves earlier questioned the validity of Duterte’s substitution for former Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) standard-bearer Martin Diño.

In his 23-page petition, Nieves also noted that Diño committed an error by indicating that he is running for mayor of Pasay City and not president.

On January 6, the poll body’s first division also consolidated the three disqualification cases filed against Duterte for having similar grounds. These petitions were filed by Nieves, broadcaster Ruben Castor and former senatorial candidate Rizalito David.

The Comelec First Division is set to hear the two remaining petitions against Duterte.

Meanwhile, Duterte's ally, Davao City first district Rep. Karlo Nograles, on his Facebook account welcomed the Comelec division’s decision.

“We are very happy with the decision of Comelec 1st Division junking the DQ case against Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for President. We are relieved to know that Comelec is applying the rule of law correctly, and we hope that the Commissioners will maintain their stand with the other DQ cases still pending in their office,” Nograles said.

“This is a welcome relief, given the damaging remarks, potshots and mudslinging being hurled against the good Commissioners and against their institution by some quarters in this electoral exercise,” he added.

The solon also expressed confidence that the Comelec is a dignified institution that can fairly voice out the democracy of the people particularly the electoral body.

“We hope that everyone can keep calm, cool and collected in the remaining months to come going towards Election Day, confident that Comelec as an institution will defend democracy and the voice of our people,” Nograles said.