CABANATUAN CITY – The decision of the Commission on Elections to move the schedule of the plebiscite for the ratification of the Presidential Proclamation which converts this city from a component into a highly urbanized one to a much later date drew mixed reactions.
Mayor Julius Caesar Vergara expressed disgust over the postponement to an unspecified date from Dec. 1, 2013 of the plebiscite. This after a copy of the Commission on Elections en banc resolution dated Nov. 27 circulated here on Wednesday.
“Who would want it happen on the verge of knowing whether our people affirm or deny an HUC status for our city?” Vergara said noting that the resolution was rendered on Wednesday and reached their offices on Wednesday, only a couple of days before the actual day of plebiscite.
The Comelec en banc is reportedly holding its regular session every Tuesdays and Thursdays thus Vergara’s team would have a hard time beating the clock for any motion for reconsideration before the Dec. 1 schedule which is this coming Saturday.
Resolution 9563, signed by Chairman Sixto Brillantes and six other commissioners, cited the violence that has ensued during the plebiscite period as among the reasons for the circumstances considered in coming up with the ruling.
It also cited a manifestation (with urgent to suspend proceedings) filed by Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali on Nov. 15 which informed the Comelec that a “Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition” is filed before the Supreme Court docketed as G.R. No. 203974.
Umali prayed in that manifestation that Comelec issue an order to suspend any proceedings in the instant case, it was also noted.
Also mentioned in the latest resolution was its resolution of Nov. 6 where the Comelec resolved to suspend all on-going activities and preparations for the plebiscite “in view of the pendency the proceedings before RTC Branch 40 in Palayan City” in connection with the petition filed by a certain Dr. Rudy Punzalan of Laur, Nueva Ecija.
“The people of Cabanatuan were denied their right to suffrage, to vote whether yes or no,” Vergara added. “The truth of the matter is that we are the injured party.”
Vergara has been leading the information drive in favor of the HUC bid while Umali was on the other side.
Umali’s brother, provincial board member Emmanuel Anthony Umali welcomed the Comelec decision saying it could be favorable to both parties.
“It’s favorabnle din naman sa magkabilang panig sapagkat mabibigyan tayo ng pagkakataon, yung ating mga kababayan para mas lalo pang pag-isipan ‘yung tungkol dito sa usapin ng paha-highly urbanized city ng Cabanatuan,” the younger Umali said.
This will give everyone time to tackle more pressing issues and projects before the May 2013 elections, he said.
Lawyer JV Bautista, a member of Vergara’s legal team, said that resetting the plebiscite to an uncertain date after the May 2013 elections is a gross violation of Presidential Proclamation 418 which provides that the plebiscite should be held within 120 days upon its issuance. The proclamation was issued July 4, 2012.
The governor said he also favored the plebiscite but he wanted all Novo Ecijano registered voters to decide.
He maintains that the entire Nueva Ecija will be affected by the HUC bid since the province’s internal revenue allotment will decrease due to possible decrease should this city be removed from its jurisdiction.
“I am for the plebiscite but we cannot allow the disenfranchisement of the other Novo Ecijanos,” the governor said.
Supt. Eli Depra, city police chief, the checkpoints set for the plebiscite will be dismantled in compliance with the Comelec order.
Edgardo Diquia, a tricycle driver from Barangay Accfa here, said he was ready to cast his vote on Saturday but is willing to wait. “Talagang gano’n, napostpone eh,” he said.
Vergara said residents would judge people behind the postponement in the forthcoming local elections.
“Alam ko na ang taumbayan ay baka paluin ‘yung mga gumagawa nito dahil ayaw po ng Cabanatuan ng ganito,” he said.
