“THE PROMORDIAL issue to be resolved is whether or not the Comelec gravely abused its discretion amounting in the lack or excess of jurisdiction: (1) in finding that Morales committed a false misrepresentation in his COC when he declared that he was eligible to run as Mayor of Mabalacat City in the 2016 elections despite his violations of the three-term limit rule; and (2) in proclaiming Garbo as the duly elected mayor of Mabalacat City for being the qualified candidate with the highest number of votes.”
Succinct was the Supreme Court decision: “We do not find merit in both petitions.” In reference to the petitions of former Mayor Marino Morales and current Vice Mayor Christian Halili. Thereby affirmed the proclamation of Crisostomo Garbo as the elected mayor of Mabalacat City. Penned by Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, the decision was concurred in by all justices including CJ Lucas P. Bersamin.
“I am elated with the SC decision as this lay to rest the issue on the legitimacy of my leadership as mayor of Mabalacat City,” was quick to enthused, even as he was conciliatory. “I extend my hand of conciliation to the parties and for them to to help me achieve my dream of transforming Mabalacat City into a world-class city.”
And godly, though with some butt kicks: “This is a victory for the people of Mabalacat City and not for me only. I hope that this will be a lesson for us all that we cannot circumvent the law particularly terms of offices. But the greater consideration here is a message for the Bible that leaders are given the seat by God.”
Still, the Morales camp has not conceded defeat, saying it would file a motion for reconsideration.
“Ang kaso po ni Mayor Boking Morales sa Korte Suprema ay tuloy-tuloy pa din po at kami pong kanyang mga abogado ay maghahain ng mga dagdag pang mga argumento upang mapatunayan na siya ang karapat dapat na mayor ng Mabalacat City,” said lawyer Romulo Macalintal, himself currently engaged in campaigning for a Senate seat.
Notwithstanding the unanimity of the SC in coming out with the decision – and therefore the highest improbability in having it overturned. Notwithstanding the proximity of the decision to the May elections – and therefore rendering it moot and academic even granting in all likelihood that the SC justices would reverse themselves.
A matter of not giving up the fight, no matter the odds. Of “no retreat, no surrender,” aye, the very battlecry of Morales’ favorite whipping boy, the now dearly departed Anthony Dee.
It has come to pass, alas, the boot is on the other foot. Anyare?
