Comelec upholds ruling in Bulacan mayoral contest

MALOLOS, Bulacan — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has moved for the speedy installation of the duly elected winner in the 2001 mayoral elections in San Ildefonso town.

The Comelec’s second division has affirmed the ruling of Judge Wilfredo Nieves of RTC Branch 84 finding Romeo Venturina winner over Mayor Edgardo Galvez by a margin of 545 votes from 25 of the 99 precincts contested.

The San Ildefonso board of canvassers had declared Galvez winner over Venturina by a margin of 15 votes.

The other day, Nieves ordered Galvez to comment on the Comelec’s writ of execution and the installation of Venturina.

Galvez had questioned Nieves’ ruling, alleging that it was a "grave abuse of discretion" due to "lack of jurisdiction."

The Comelec junked Galvez’s petition, saying he failed to present a "satisfactory case of abuse of discretion" against the judge.

The poll body thus ordered the RTC to proceed with the installation of Venturina as the duly elected mayor of San Ildefonso.

Last year, Galvez’s supporters barricaded the town hall to prevent Venturina’s camp and the court sheriff to serve Nieves’ order installing Venturina.— James Mananghaya