Bulacan mayor steps down

BALIUAG, Bulacan — After two days of tension, this town’s mayor finally stepped down yesterday to give way to a Supreme Court ruling affirming the victory of his rival in the May 14, 2001 elections.

Mayor Rolando Salvador gave up the top local post at about 6 p.m., after which Romeo Estrella, whom the High Court recognized as the duly elected mayor, entered the town hall, accompanied by police escorts.

Salvador tearfully told reporters that he was stepping down to prevent violence between his supporters and Estrella’s.

The Supreme Court voided the Nov. 5, 2002 order of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) directing a status quo in the fight between Salvador and Estrella, saying the Comelec lacked jurisdiction on the electoral protest.

In issuing its order, the Comelec favored Salvador’s petition questioning a court ruling finding Estrella the duly elected mayor.

Anti-riot policemen had been deployed at the town hall to prevent any clash between the supporters of Salvador and Estrella.

The calm was broken Monday night when gunshots were reportedly heard near the municipal building.

Gov. Josefina de la Cruz, who is allied with Salvador, said she admired the ousted mayor for "sacrificing his personal interests to prevent any violent incident that might arise from this case."