Comelec Comm. Guanzon votes to disqualify BBM

Concurrent with doubts over the Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division’s delay in making public the decision in the disqualification case against the candidacy of presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Commissioner Rowena Guanzon announced that she voted in favor of disqualifying the former senator in Election 2022.

In an interview with GMA News held at the UP College of Law where she graduated, Guanzon expressed her vote and said she believes that “there is moral turpitude really based on evidence and the law,” regarding Marcos’ previous case in connection with the payment of tax.

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“Kaya nga ito nangyayari lahat eh dahil ang boto ko is DQ (disqualified) si Marcos Jr. Sa tingin ko may moral turpitude talaga based on evidence and the law. I will not keep it a secret. That is the reason why this is happening,” said Guanzon, who will retire on February 2.

She added that she has already submitted her opinion to two other members of the First Division, Aimee Ferolino, and Marlon Casquejo — as well as to other Comelec commissioners.

She said Ferolino will be the speaker or will write the decision in the case.

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But according to Guanzon, she has received information that someone is working to influence the commissioners.

“Parang unreasonable na yung delay. Ang kutob ko talaga may nakikialam na eh. May nakikialam na. Some people are trying to influence the commissioners. Yun ang ayaw ko,” Guanzon told GMA News.

Comelec Comm. Guanzon votes to disqualify BBM

“Malakas ang kutob ko based on information eh. ‘Tsaka pag sinabi ko naman ang pangalan nila baka masyado pang maaga. Baka sa Lunes sasabihin ko ‘pag hindi pa ito lumabas.

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“Ayoko po talagang bigyan ng malisya yung ponente pero sinabi ng commissioner kahapon sa meeting namin, eh bakit yung ibang na-raffle after pa sa Marcos nailabas naman?,” she added.

For Guanzon, the case should be resolved earlier for the sake of all those involved.

When asked if the reason for the delay in issuing the decision was related to her imminent retirement, Guanzon said, “I already said that the reason is because my vote is to DQ.”

“So to knock out my vote they think they can invalidate it by releasing the decision of the ponente after I retire which cannot happen because I already submitted my separate opinion to all of them including the chair and all of the commissioners,” Guanzon explained.

“That should already be on the record that I voted already. The vote should be counted by the next presiding commissioner after me,” she added.

Guanzon wants her to finish the last case she is holding when she leaves the Comelec.

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