Comelec to resolve PDP-Laban infighting

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to resolve the intra-party row of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), according to Commissioner Rowena Guanzon. 

The party was split into two factions with Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III heading one and lawyer Rogelio Garcia heading the other.

“We don’t want to prolong that (case)… We have to require them to submit comment in writing so we can be sure exactly what they are fighting about and to determine who is the rightful authorized person or officer to sign the certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) for PDP-Laban,” Guanzon said yesterday, adding that Comelec has ordered both to submit their memorandum within 10 days.

The Commission, she added, needs to identify the rightful leadership of PDP-Laban and issue a resolution to prevent confusion among voters on the official candidates of the administration party.

“Imagine, the people won’t even know the party of the one they will be voting for,” she pointed out.

Guanzon noted that the intra-party row is also affecting local candidates who are required to submit the CONA signed by the leadership along with their certificate of candidacy.?“I noticed that local candidates filed their candidacies under their local parties. I think part of the reason is the confusion,” she revealed.?Once the Comelec decides on the issue, candidates running under the losing faction will be considered independent candidates.

Guanzon said the commission yesterday started looking into the two sworn Information Update Statements and List of Authorized Signatories submitted by PDP-Laban. It would also read the memoranda and, if there are more questions, conduct another hearing.     

In Agusan del Norte province, PDP-Laban stalwart Gov. Maria Angelica Matba said she would not support the PDP candidates who are led by her cousin, former Butuan City mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. and former congressman Roan Libarios.

She declared her support for the group of incumbent Rep. Lawrence Fortun and Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Lagnada during a press conference at the provincial capitol.                          – With Ben Serrano