Singson welcomes rival’s SC petition

VIGAN CITY, Philippines– Ilocos Sur first district Rep. Ronald Singson yesterday welcomed the disqualification case filed by his rival in the congressional race, Bertrand Baterina, before the Supreme Court, but said he has not yet received a notice from the tribunal to comment on the case.

According to reports, SC clerk of court Enriqueta Vidal has sent out a notice stating that the tribunal, acting on Baterina’s petition for certiorari, “resolved, without giving due course to the petition, to require the respondents to comment thereon 10 days upon receipt hereof.”

“My lawyers are confident that they can defend and uphold the legitimacy of my candidacy and that it was and is valid, “ Singson said.

“Ever since the issue was brought to light by the media, we have been waiting for the notice from the high court so that our lawyers could air our side,” he said

Singson said they would submit their comment once they receive the notice, although his offices here and at the House of Representatives in Quezon City have yet to receive a copy of it.

Singson said it is “presumptuous” for Baterina to have himself declared winner by the SC supposedly for being the “lone qualified candidate” in the election.

“He should first have himself voted upon with a majority of the votes by our constituents before claiming victory. It’s sweeter to become a congressman that way,” Singson said.