Comelec readies dismissal order vs. Antique governor

The Commission on Elections is preparing a dismissal order against Antique Governor Exequiel Javier after voting to disqualify him for allegedly violating the Omnibus Election Code.

But Javier's camp is preparing to ask the Supreme Court to review the decision, according to a report by GMA Iloilo's Jason Gregorio.

While Javier won the gubernatorial race in 2013, the Comelec disqualified him for suspending Valderrama Mayor Mary Joyce Roquero during the 2013 election period.

However, the governor's camp suspects the Comelec decision may have been unduly influenced.

Governor Javier also said that while he is ready to step down from his post, he will continue to discharge his duties until he receives a copy of the Comelec's order.

"There's no legal basis for the disqualification since the ground for my disqualification was coercion and intimidation under the Comelec law, which is also repeated by a subsequent law. They cannot beat me in the election, they have to beat me in this disqualification. Well, I'll stay as governor. If I have to step down, then let's respect the law," he said.

Resident Hermie Ambita said Javier had served for so long as governor and has done a good job.

But another resident, Winny Valdez, said the Comelec's decision has to be respected. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News