DOJ chief to run for Quezon congresswoman in 2010 polls
Another Cabinet official threw her hat into the political ring on Monday as Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera confirmed she will be taking the place of her sister as candidate for congresswoman in Quezon province's first district. Devanadera went to Quezon early Monday morning to file a certificate of candidacy to take over the candidacy of her sister Elizabeth Suarez. “Oo, andito na nga ako sa Quezon ngayon (Yes I will run, in fact I’m here in Quezon already)," Devanadera told GMANews.TV. She clarified that her congressional bid would not interfere with her concurrent work as Justice Secretary and solicitor general. She added that her impending campaign would not distract her from working on the investigation on the grisly massacre in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao three weeks ago. Suarez initially filed a certificate of candidacy (COC) to run for congresswoman for Quezon’s first district. The filing period for the COCs was from November 20 to December 1. Devanadera said she could not file her COC during the period because she had been busy working on the investigation on the November 23 Maguindanao massacre. Section 13 of the Comelec's Resolution No. 8768 says a candidate be substituted in case of "death, withdrawal or disqualification.' The same provision also allows substitute candidates to file their COCs until December 14, Monday, or five months before the 2010 automated polls. "The substitute for a candidate who withdrew may file his certificate of candidacy as herein provided for the office affected not later than December 14, 2009," the resolution read. In previous elections, substitute candidates can formalize their electoral bids up to the mid-day of Election Day. Devanadera need not resign as Justice secretary and Solicitor General because the Supreme Court recently ruled that appointed officials seeking elective government posts need not relinquish their positions. [See: Appointive officials may hold on to posts after filing COCs - SC] Devanadera served as Sampaloc, Quezon mayor from 1988 to 1997. The first district of Quezon is composed of the municipalities of Burdeos, General Nakar, Infanta, Jomalig, Lucban, Mauban, Pagbilao, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Polillo, Real, Sampaloc and Tayabas. - Sophia Dedace/LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV