500 residents join Balanga rally for beleaguered mayor

At least 500 residents in Balanga City have trooped to the city hall starting Sunday night to hold a vigil in support of beleaguered Mayor Melanio Banzon Jr. Radio dzRH reported that as of 5 a.m. Monday, more than 500 residents had already stationed themselves at city hall to "defend" Banzon from a Commission on Elections (Comelec) order. last week, the Comelec directed Banzon to step down in favor of Jose Enrique "Joet" Garcia, whom it proclaimed as the winner of the mayoralty race in the city in 2004. But the dzRH report quoted Banzon's supporters as saying the Comelec decision is not yet final, and Banzon has 15 days to appeal it. Banzon's supporters also said they intend to continue their vigil, adding Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia already filed a motion for implementation of the order with the Comelec. On the other hand, they said Banzon has already filed a motion for reconsideration with the Comelec. - GMANews.TV