Ilocano group urges Comelec to resolve petition to disqualify Marcos as soon as possible

Ilocanos seeking the disqualification of former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. have asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to resolve their petition to disqualify him in the 2022 presidential race as soon as possible, saying its pendency would unduly delay the election results.

The petitioners, collectively known as Pudno Nga Ilocano, want Marcos, Jr. disqualified over four counts of conviction for violating the Tax Code due to non-filing of income tax returns from 1982 to 1985.

"The failure to resolve the instant petition would cause complications in that the votes cast for Respondent may be included in the counting and in the canvassing. Further, if the evidence of guilt is strong, as in this case, his proclamation (in the very remote event that he wins) shall be suspended, notwithstanding the fact that he received the winning number of votes in such election," the petitioners said.

"Petitioners implore the Honorable Commission to resolve the Petition with utmost urgency given its impact on the coming national elections," they added.

They also asked the poll body that the period of 44 days under paragraph 1 of Comelec Resolution No. 107652 be reckoned from January 16, 2022, the date they submitted their memorandum to the Second Division.

Likewise, the petitioners invoked Section 4, Rule 25 of the Comelec Rules of procedure which provides that such a petition should be heard summarily after due notice.

"The Second Division of the Honorable Commission still has two of the three original members, who received all submissions on this case, and are therefore competent and equipped to decide and rule on the case without further delay," the petitioners said.

They further said whatever the decision of the Comelec may be, it is likely that it will be elevated to the Supreme Court.

"It would be in the interest of the country that the Supreme Court decides the appeal before the elections. For the foregoing reasons and considering that the national elections will be conducted on May 9, 2022, it is vital that the petition is resolved as soon as possible," the petitioners said.

Marcos, Jr. is the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and their family hails from Ilocos Norte.—AOL, GMA News