With Laguna capitol 'barricaded,' acting governor to hold office at sports complex

With the supporters of disqualified Laguna Governor Emilio Ramon "ER" Ejercito barricading the provincial capitol, acting governor Ramil Hernandez plans to use the sports complex as his temporary office.

Hernandez, who was sworn in at the Commission on Elections office on Tuesday, said he had a team go to the sports complex to make preparations.

"Tinitingnan natin ang posibilidad na pansamantala mag-opisina tayo sa Laguna Sports Complex. Ngayong umaga pinapuntahan ko ang lugar para isaayos para maging pansamantalang opisina natin," he said in an interview on GMA News' "Unang Balita."

He also said he will discharge his sworn duty as acting governor, but will step down if the Supreme Court orders him to do so.

Ejercito had questioned his disqualification before the high court, saying the Commission on Elections committed grave abuse of discretion.

Also, Hernandez maintained he is not conniving with Malacañang to oust Ejercito.

When asked if the Palace was behind Ejercito's ouster and his ascension to the governor's office, he said, "hindi ako naniniwala."

On the other hand, he said he is leaving to the Commission on Elections and Department of Interior and Local Government to "enforce" Ejercito's disqualification.

The provincial capitol had been barricaded by Ejercito's supporters, after the disqualified governor insisted he still has the mandate of Laguna residents.

Photos posted by radio dzBB's Allan Gatus on Twitter showed a red banner calling for "Justice for Gov. E.R. Ejercito" at the capitol.

Even the gate to the capitol was barricaded.

Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. earlier said Ejercito shelled out P6 million in just one contract for a TV ad for his campaign in 2013.

He was allowed to spend only P4.5 million for his entire campaign. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News