NUSP urged the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to release the result regarding the disqualification case against Bongbong Marcos.
They further asserted that a politician who is a convicted tax evader and a son of a dictator who lived lavishly with corrupted wealth has no space in democracy.
Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, alongside Commissioners Aimee Ferolino-Ampoloquio and Marlon Casquejo, is part of COMELEC’s First Division in charge of three disqualification cases filed against Marcos Jr.
On Thursday evening, January 27, Guanzon disclosed her decision on the case in an exclusive interview with GMA News.
“My vote is to disqualify Marcos Jr. I think there is really a moral turpitude based on the evidence and the law,” Guanzon stated.
Guanzon said that she cast her vote last January 17.
Guanzon believes that the result of the case was delayed due to political interference. She claimed that some pro-Marcos politicians already know her vote and so the case is “deliberately” delayed at least until Guanzon’s retirement on February 2.
Guanzon also disclosed that Ferolino-Ampoloquio is the ponente of the case in an interview with CNN Philippines last January 27, Thursday, implying the high possibility of political influence on Ferolino. A ponente is tasked to write the decision of the case.
Today, January 31, Ferolino lashed out against Guanzon.
“It is quite appalling that Commissioner Guanzon was able to draft an opinion when the Ponencia has not yet submitted the resolution and all the case records are in my possession. In doing so, one thing is clear to me, she is trying to influence my decision and trying hard to persuade me to her direction,” Ferolino stated in a letter to Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas.
After Guanzon’s disclosure, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the political party of Marcos Jr., urged COMELEC to investigate Guanzon due to the alleged “illegal” disclosure of the vote. Nevertheless, Guanzon remains firm.
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Guanzon publicized her decision on the Marcos, Jr.’s disqualification cases today, January 31. In the full text of the commissioner’s decision, she highlighted Marcos, Jr.’s failure to file his income tax return (ITR) from 1982-1985. By certification of Judge Sto. Tomas-Bacud from the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC), Marcos, Jr. is found to have not served any sentence as imposed by the Court of Appeals.
Guanzon underscored Marcos, Jr.’s “deliberate” choice of non-compliance with “a positive duty enjoined by law” and is “reflective of a serious defect in one’s moral fiber.”
NUSP raised its support for Commissioner Guanzon regarding her recent disclosure of her vote on the disqualification case. The students’ union asserted it is high time for the people to combat the return of the Marcoses to the Malacañang, especially with the Filipinos’ lives and future at stake.
Featured image courtesy of RMN Networks
