'Petition to stop Negros special poll politically motivated'

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The petition filed with the Supreme Court to stop the June 2 special election in the fifth district of Negros Occidental is “politically motivated,” the long-time partner of the late congressman Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo said yesterday.

 Grace Ibuna said the petition could have been “dictated by people who stands to benefit from a no election.”

Ibuna, however, refused to name names.

In a 22-page petition, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said Section 4 of Republic Act 7166, or the Synchronized National and Local Elections Law, provides that special elections to fill a vacancy in the House of Representatives “shall be called and held not earlier than 60 days nor longer than 90 days after the occurrence of the vacancy.”

 “Since Arroyo died on Jan. 26, the earliest date such special election could be held was last March 26 – the 60th day after the occurrence of the vacancy…The latest date it could be held would be on April 25 – the 90th day after the occurrence of such vacancy, pursuant to the provision of RA 7166,” Macalintal‘s petition read.

But Ibuna said they have no recourse but to abide by the decision of the SC.

Ibuna said she is meeting with Arroyo’s political allies to get their support for Binalbagan Mayor Alejandor Mirasol, whom she earlier endorsed.

The Liberal Party and the United Negros Alliance (UNA) had recently endorsed Mirasol’s candidacy.

When asked if she had abandoned Arroyo’s plans for her to run for congresswoman in his district in the 2013 elections, Ibuna said, “Not really.”