Comelec disqualifies Antique governor

MANILA, Philippines - Voting 4-2-1, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has nullified the proclamation of Antique Gov. Exequiel Javier over the illegal suspension of a town mayor during the election period in May 2013.

In a five-page resolution released on Tuesday, the Comelec granted the petition of Cornelio Aldon and Raymundo Roquero to disqualify Javier for violating the Omnibus Election Code. 

Javier had suspended Roquero “to coerce, intimidate, compel or influence the latter to collaborate with or campaign for the former, or to punish the latter for having manifested political opposition against the former,” the resolution stated.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said Vice Gov. Rhodora Cadiao would replace Javier, who could still appeal the ruling before the Supreme Court.

Commissioners Elias Yusoph, Arthur Lim, Lucenito Tagle and Brillantes voted to unseat Javier while Commissioners Luie Guia and Christian Lim dissented. Commissioner Al Parreno was on official business. 

The ruling broke the tie at the three-man Second Division in October 2014, during which Yusoph voted to disqualify Javier while Guia dissented and Lim did not participate.