Palawan lawmaker asks Comelec to reconsider bid
February 14, 2010By IMMANUEL PASTOLERO, SPECIAL TO THE MANILA TIMES
PALAWAN Representative Abraham “Baham” Mitra will file a motion for reconsideration today at the Comission on Elections (Comelec) En banc regarding his disqualification from the province’s gubernatorial race. “I am not yet disqualified. I will file a motion for reconsideration at the Commission En banc tomorrow [today],” Mitra said at the weekly press forum Balitaan sa Tinapayan, Sunday.
The Comelec First Division presided by Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, disqualified Mitra for allegedly failing to prove his residency in the town of Aborlan, Palawan. Mitra, who was formerly residing in their family’s ancestral house in Puerto Princesa City, relocated to the neighboring town of Aborlan in May 2009.
Puerto Princesa City is a chartered city, which means its residents are ineligible to vote for the province’s governor, vice-governor and provincial board members.
Mitra, a member of the Liberal Party, said that many of his constituents are saddened and disappointed at the decision of the Comelec.
“Many in Palawan are disheartened and disappointed at my disqualification by the Comelec First Division,” Mitra said.
Mitra added that he believed that his decision to align himself with Presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd might be the reason behind his disqualification.
“I have been part of the administration bloc in congress since 2001, I have been very supportive of the President, but my decision to join the Liberal Party was dictated by my affiliations with Noynoy,” Mitra said.
The son of former House Speaker Ramon Mitra, Sr. has served as Congressman of the 2nd District of Palawan for three consecutive terms, and will run as the province’s governor on the upcoming May Elections.
