SC: Mendoza to remain Bulacan gov, for now

(Updated 7:27 p.m.) Amid the tension spurred by the gubernatorial row in Bulacan province, the Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a status quo order, which allows Governor Joselito “Jon-Jon" Mendoza to retain his position, at least for now. Court spokesman Jose Midas Marquez said the justices unanimously ruled to issue the status quo ante order following the regular en banc session of the high court. He said the order would be effective until March 15, pending discussions on the merits of Mendoza’s petition to prevent rival Roberto Pagdanganan from assuming the post. “This means that the conditions prevailing at the time the petition was filed shall remain. The case will be taken up again by the court on Tuesday. The court will then exert all efforts to decide the case on the merits. So for the time being, it is still Gov. Mendoza who shall continue as governor of Bulacan," he said. Earlier in the day, Mendoza said he would not vacate his seat unless the court tells him to do so. [See: Mendoza holding on to Bulacan post] A radio report said Pagdanganan respects the court's decision and even told his supporters gathered within the premises of the provincial capitol to return to their homes and pray for a favorable outcome when the court releases its decision on March 15.
Marquez said the court would decide next week whether or not to grant or dismiss Mendoza’s petition, or extend the status quo ante order. The Commission on Elections had declared Pagdanganan as the winner, but Mendoza asked the high court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) to bar his rival from sitting as Bulacan governor. Also on Tuesday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said its issuance of a writ of execution against Mendoza would depend on the high court’s order. As of posting time, GMANews.TV was still trying to reach Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno to ask whether his department would still serve the writ despite the court's order. — Sophia Dedace/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV