Still no word from Comelec

It’s now over a month that DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo categorically assured the Compostela folk to follow-up with the Commission on Elections the “sleeping” election case more than a year ago. Likewise, there has been no word from OIC Jerome Gonzales and DILG-7 Director Pedro Noval of any written or verbal reminder to Sec. Robredo or to the Comelec. Or, is their role merely waiting and sitting on their asses in silence, doing nothing even to alleviate the bankrupt coffers of Compostela during their watch?

When the usually peaceable and patient Compostelanhons stormed the Municipal Hall on May 11, and the elected Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and Municipal Councilors held sway for a couple of days, it was a loud symbol of Comelec’s failure to resolve a simple electoral dispute – but made obviously an intentional delaying issue – on the tyranny of one election Commissioner.

Like Director Pedro Noval who had conveniently felt the heat and left the post to OIC Jerome Gonzales, the latter has just lately realized how inutile his role is. In effect, the local DILG didn’t realize at the inception – and also for lack of foresight – that they cannot effectively replace the duly-elected officials. Moreover, the DILG could not have made representations with the Comelec as a third party in interest, or at least tried to be.

How pitiable now that Gonzales is pleading for replacement! And yet, while he begs his DILG bosses to relieve him, no mention whatsoever that he has reminded Secretary Robredo of his assurance for Comelec to make the election case moving. Compostela does not need Gonzales’ peroration, thus: “They have suffered for so long na gayud.” “Luoy pud sila.”

What further aggravates the long bankrupt Compostela per COA report some months back, due to the treasurer’s “negligence and being remiss in his duties, the “people power” on May 11 led the DILG to call on augmentation forces to restore peace. This augmentation team required Compostela to spend P5,000 a day for meals of 120 military and police personnel.

The Compostelanhons and the observers have also raised their eyebrows in askance about the action, if any, made by Rep. “Red” Durano of the 5th district that includes Compostela, with regard to the election protest being made to sleep. Did he “storm” the Comelec, particularly the office of Chairman Sixto Brillantes, Sr.? Has he brought the matter to the President to alleviate the poor townsfolk, or for presidential intervention with an independent entity of government, to correct the clear injustice as emergency measure?

Indeed, the condition of Compostela in its bankruptcy in fiscal matters and official orphans without their legitimate elected officials is unenviable. Can the DILG OIC, for instance, officiate civil marriage, for the poor parties particularly? Again, with the inutile DILG OIC, could he cope with the clean and green program, or the solid waste management, or oversee the developmental thrusts for LGUs? How many times has the OIC gone to Governor Gwen for aid in the repair of some sections of asphalted Guimbal to Dapdap road, or the Cabadiangan road?

On the other hand, there are a slew of official matters to be legislated or resolved by the Municipal Council. With the municipality’s bankruptcy, it is only proper that the Municipal Council take up taxation measures to legislate. Municipal projects pass the Council for budgetary allocation, for one, before the Mayor can implement the project. Without the Councilors who are all suspended, no projects and programs could be implemented.

In short, the Compostela government is at a total standstill. And the Comelec, and other higher authorities, are either heartless and uncaring to make the case move. With no malice towards none, one recalls the late Congressman Ramon Durano, Sr., the original. If this situation had occurred in his time, Congressman “No Amon” Durano would have made a lot of noise, not stopping until Comelec, or whichever national agency, would do their thing in accordance with law.

The immediate issue as of now is non-partisan significance, that is, it doesn’t matter who wins or who loses, but that Comelec shall immediately resolve the case without further delay. It becomes of partisan interest and momentous effect though, sometime thereafter when the real legal issue takes over.