SC reinstates Northern Samar lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the reinstatement of ousted Northern Samar first district Rep. Harlin Abayon.

In a special session on Tuesday, the high tribunal voided the decision of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) ordering the ouster of Abayon and installing former House deputy speaker Raul Daza.

Abayon of the Nacionalista Party is running against Daza of the Liberal Party.

“Abayon is declared to be the lawfully elected representative of the first legislative district of Northern Samar during the May 13, 2013 elections,” read the decision penned by Associate Justice Jose Mendoza.

The SC said the HRET’s findings and conclusions were not supported by evidence. The voiding of Abayon’s votes was tantamount to a failure of elections and massive disenfranchisement of voters, it added.

 “The court disagreed with respondent HRET...that the terrorism alleged to have been present was of such magnitude and gravity as to warrant the annulment of the elections,” the SC said.