Comelec lifts suspension of recall proceedings

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has partially lifted the suspension of recall proceedings and ordered the opening of five pending recall petitions against elective officials.

In a resolution, the Comelec ordered the opening of recall petitions involving Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron, Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, Baliuag Mayor Carolina Dellosa, Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno and Bulan, Sorsogon Mayor Marnelli Ballesteros-Robles.

The Comelec allowed the publication of the resolutions affirming the sufficiency of the petitions against Alvarado and Bayron.

The Comelec also directed the Office of the Deputy Executive Director for Operations (ODEDO) to proceed with the review of the findings of the Offices of Election Officers (OEOs) on the recall petitions versus Dellosa and Moreno.

The OEO of Bulan, Sorsogon was also ordered to evaluate the recall petition against Robles.

A recall petition may be filed by at least 25 percent of the total number of registered voters in the local government unit concerned and is subject to the approval of the OEO, ODEDO and the Comelec commissioners.

Once approved, the recall order shall be posted in a public and conspicuous place for the purpose of verifying the authenticity and genuineness of the petition.

The Comelec shall then announce the acceptance of candidates and set the date of the recall elections.

A few months ago, the Comelec ordered the total suspension of all pending recall proceedings due to lack of budget.

Petitioners questioned the order, arguing that they should be allowed at least to post and publish as required by law.