Comelec chief: Resignation from posts of 2010 presidental hopefuls unlikely

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday described as “impossible" suggestions of an administration lawyer to revive the law mandating the resignation of elected officials seeking another post. A radio report quoted Comelec chairman Jose Melo as saying that the 1987 Constitution would have to be amended first before Section 67 of the Omnibus Election Code could be revived. Section 67 of the Omnibus Election Code states that any elective official, whether national or local, running for any office other than the one which he is holding in a permanent capacity, except for President and Vice President, shall be considered ipso facto resigned from his office upon the filing of his certificate of candidacy. The rule on mandatory resignation of presidential candidates that are holding elective posts was repealed in July 2002 through a mere “rider" to Republic Act 9006, the law which allows political advertisements in the media. Melo expressed his doubts that such a revival could even form substance before the upcoming 2010 presidential elections, given that such amendments would first have to be subjected under “long and heated debates" among lawmakers from both chambers. Lawyer Romulo Macalintal Jr earlier in the day told radio dzBB that politicians planning to run in the upcoming 2010 elections but are currently holding posts should relinquish their posts to "fully concentrate" in their campaigns. Macalintal, an election lawyer allied with the Arroyo administration, particularly highlighted the cases of Senator Manuel “Manny" Villar Jr. of the Nacionalista Party and Senator Manuel “Mar" Roxas II of the Liberal Party. Both senators have already been announced as standard bearers by their respective political parties. Other senators perceived to be eyeing the presidency are Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero, and Panfilo Lacson. Macalintal said if the presidential hopefuls are “sincere" in holding the top post in the land, they should give up their current posts and not be afraid to lose them in case they don’t emerge victorious in the 2010 polls. - GMANews.TV