Ka Leody: Hold accountable official behind delay of Marcos Jr. DQ case

Labor leader and presidential aspirant Leody de Guzman on Friday said the official behind the delay in the release of the decision on the disqualification case of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. must be held accountable.

De Guzman issued the call after outgoing Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon revealed that a senator may be behind the delay on the Marcos’ disqualification case ruling.

“Dapat lang pangalanan at isiwalat sa publiko ang pangalan ng kung sinuman ang sa tinggin niyang nakiialam sa desisyon ng dibisyon, at kung may sapat na batayan, kasuhan ang dapat kasuhan,” De Guzman said in a statement.

(They must disclosed to the public those interfering with the division's decision, and if there is sufficient basis, they must be held accountable.)

On The Mangahas Interviews, Guanzon also revealed the case is being held up on the part of Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, a member of the First Division which is handling the case.

She said Ferolino has stopped responding to messages and calls.

Meanwhile, De Guzman aired his dismay on Ferolino’s “missing in action,” adding that she must fulfill her duty and release the decision as soon as possible.

“Dapat din tupadin ni Ferolino ang kanyang tungkulin sa mamamayan kabilang ang maagap na paglabas ng desisyon. Nakakabahala ang kanyang pagiging ‘missing in action,’” the labor leader said.

(Ferolino must also fulfill his duty to the people, including the prompt release of the decision. Her “missing in action” is a bit disturbing.)

“Nagbibigay daan pa siya sa mga espekulasyon imbes na pangalagaan ang integridad ng ahensya at ng eleksyon,” he added.

(She gives way to speculation instead of safeguarding the integrity of the agency and the election.)

De Guzman also called to end the control of the “elitist and powerful officials” in the democratic process.

On Thursday, Guanzon bared that she voted to disqualify Marcos, son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., for committing a crime of moral turpitude for failing to pay income taxes in the 1980s.

For baring her vote, Marcos' party Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) is seeking her disbarment and asked Comelec to conduct an investigation on her.

Marcos' camp, for their part, refused to comment on Guanzon's claims. —NB, GMA News