THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc affirmed the resolution enacted earlier by its Second Division barring Cebu-based shipping magnate Paul Rodriguez from running as congressman of Camiguin.
En banc means all commissioners of Comelec convened to resolve the prayer as appealed by Rodriguez to reverse the resolution of the Second Division.
The commissioners who resolved the matter were Aimee Ferolino, Rey Bulay, Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr., Nelson Celis, Ma. Norina Casingal and Noli Pipo. The procedure was presided by chairman George Erwin Garcia who took no part in the outcome because there was no dissent.
In the 14-page resolution dated March 24, the en banc found the resolution of its Second Division in order and disregarded all the arguments made by Rodriguez in his motion for reconsideration.
The en banc stated that its Second Division thoroughly and incisively examined the evidence submitted before it and arrived at the resolution soundly.
“Petitioner was able to prove by substantial evidence that Respondent does not possess the one-year residence requirement to run as member of the House of Representatives. The Second Division correctly gave credence to the documentary evidence and testimonies as these are given by public officials and long-time residents of Catarman, Camiguin who are not only credible but highly knowledgeable of the place,” it stated.
