Laguna capitol operations normal amid Ejercito’s disqualification

It was business as usual at the Laguna provincial hall despite the disqualification of Governor ER Ejercito due to supposed campaign overspending in last year's elections.

Laguna Vice Governor Ramil Hernandez said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which he heads, proceeded with its session even after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced Ejercito's disqualification on Wednesday.

“Kahapon po nung lumabas ang balita, ilang oras bago mag-sesyon ang Sangguniang Panlalawigan, tuloy pa din ang sesyon namin,” he said in an interview with GMA's “Unang Hirit” on Thursday.

In a report, GMA's Oscar Oida said Ejercito's supporters trooped to the capitol Wednesday night to conduct a vigil in support of the governor. They left shortly past midnight.



Other supporters showed their support by commenting on Ejercito's Facebook page where his statement was posted. Some posted memes telling Asiong Salonga—a character Ejercito played in the movies—not to relinquish his position. One used a poster of Ejercito's movie “Boy Golden.”

GMA News Online called Ejercito's office to ask when will he elevate his case to the Supreme Court, but his staff said they will just call for a press conference when Ejercito is ready to talk.

The Comelec said Ejercito only has five days from receipt of their decision to secure a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court.

No politics involved

Meanwhile, Hernandez clarified that it was Ejercito's rival in the 2013 elections, Egay San Luis, and not him who filed the disqualification case with the Comelec. He, however, believes there was no politics involved as San Luis did not directly benefit from the governor's disqualification.

“Hindi ako party to the case. Ang nag-petition po sa kanya ay nakalaban nya, si Cong. Egay San Luis. Wala naman akong nakikitang pulitika dahil unang-una, di ako Liberal [Party],” he said, referring to President Benigno Aquino III's political party.

“Ang nagpetisyon ay si Cong Egay San Luis na isang Liberal at di naman pumabor sa kanya ang desisyon. Kung talagang pulitika ito, dapat sa kanya pumabor ang desisyon,” Hernandez added.

He said he is ready to assume the position as ordered by the poll body. He said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will also respect the Comelec decision.

Hernandez said he has yet to talk with Ejercito, admitting that they were not close. He, however, said he supports the programs and projects of the governor.

“Mula po kahapon, di pa [kami nag-uusap] at masyado lang siyang busy, ganun din po ang inyong lingkod. Di naman kami ganun ka close pero ok naman po [ang aming working relationship]. Sumusuporta naman po tayo sa magagandang programa. Inaaprubahan naman naming Sangguniang Panglalawigan ang kanyang proposals,” he said.

Asked if he would initiate communications with the governor, Hernandez said he has no problem with that, but added Ejercito should be given time to prepare the petition he will file before the Supreme Court to stop Comelec from implementing its decision. —Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News