ER Ejercito's replacement as guv holds office at gym

MANILA, Philippines — Laguna Acting Governor Ramil Hernandez has yet to enter the provincial hall the day after he swore in to replace disqualified Gov. Emilio Ramon "ER" Ejercito.

Hernandez on Wednesday started to temporarily hold office at the Laguna Sports Complex as Ejercito still refuses to vacate the capitol, according to radio reports.

Hernandez took his oath Tuesday before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after it found Ejercito guilty of overspending for the 2013 elections.

The acting governor has sent a team to prepare his office at the gymnasium, where the Palarong Pambansa or National Games recently concluded.

On Tuesday, Ejercito's supporters placed a barricade around the capitol to prevent Hernandez and his staff from assuming office and stop authorities from forcing Ejercito to step down.

Ejercito has filed a petition before the Supreme Court to stop his ouster, saying the case was cooked up by political opponents linked to Malacañang and the ruling Liberal Party.

Read: ER Ejercito in emphatic speech: I'm governor forever

Ejercito also claimed that Hernandez helped former Laguna Rep. Edgar San Luis of Liberal Party unseat him.

Hernandez is a member of Nacionalista Party, while Ejercito belongs to the United Nationalist Alliance led by his uncle, former President Joseph Estrada. - Camille Diola