LEGAZPI CITY – Albay Governor Noel Rosal said he will continue to function as the provincial chief executive until the court orders with finality for him to vacate the position.
In a statement released through his social media account, Rosal said the resolution of the Commission on Election’s (Comelec) First Division is not yet final and executory.
“We have five days from receipt or up to 24 September, to file a motion for reconsideration to the Commission En Banc. The decision, final order or ruling of the Comelec En Banc may be brought to the Supreme Court on Petition for Certiorari under Rule 65 about Rule 64 of the Rules of Court but becomes executory only after five days if no restraining order is issued by the Supreme Court,” he explained.
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Albay, Comelec Provincial Election Supervisor, lawyer Maria Aurea C. Bo-Bunao, confirmed the disqualification case against the governor but also noted that the decision is not yet final and executory.
“The Office of the Regional Election Director has confirmed with Comelec-Manila the veracity of the news on the disqualification case against Governor Noel Rosal,” Bo-Bunao said.
“For now, I cannot comment on the case because we haven’t received the official copy of the resolution. It’s not yet final and executory,” she added.
Bo-Bunao also said in a message sent to reporters that she cannot grant further interviews as she is attending the Senate plenary hearing on the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election postponement.
Reports said the Comelec disqualified Rosal from the 2022 provincial electoral race for violating the 45-day ban on the release of public funds by government agencies for social welfare projects, particularly the approval of cash assistance payout to tricycle drivers in April.
The petition was filed by defeated Legazpi City candidate for councilor, Joseph Armogila. (PNA)