Supporters of embattled Albay Governor Noel Rosal came out to protest against a Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualification order. Over 20,000 supporters gathered at the Sawangan Park in Legazpi, Albay to petition for his reinstatement.
In September 2022, the Comelec disqualified Governor Rosal over an alleged violation of the Omnibus Election Code against the release of public funds during the 45-day campaign spending ban.
Governor Rosal submitted a motion for reconsideration to the Comelec but was denied because they did not find a convincing reason for its reversal. A certificate of finality was then issued as there were no orders from the Supreme Court (SC) to terminate the decision.
The Comelec First Division, together with the Department of Interior and Local Government issued a writ of execution for Governor Rosal to vacate his post and to immediately and peacefully turnover the position to Albay Vice Governor Edcel Lagman Jr.
Led by Fr. Willy Alvarado SOLT, Governor Rosal’s supporters expressed their dismay on the decision via a prayer rally stating that the polling body should uphold the vote of the people. “We pray that the Supreme Court will hear our appeal to reinstate our Albay Governor Noel Rosal,” said Fr. Alvarado. Governor Noel Rosal garnered 469,481 votes beating the former Governor Al Francis Bichara.
“The Albayanos voted for Governor Rosal, we want Governor Rosal to be our leader,” Fr. Alvarado exclaimed. “We will not accept the decision of the Comelec, and we will fight for our votes,” he added.
The priest also expressed his concern on the continuity of Governor Rosal’s projects and the democracy in Albay. “What will happen to the Albayanos? We are longing for Governor Rosal’s leadership. He is very hands on and he makes sure that we get the right care and service we need,” said Fr. Alvarado.
The demonstration was done to orderly communicate to the high court that they are seeking further investigation on the case. “We feel robbed of our right to our votes. We are pleading for them to intervene and give the Albayanos clarity and we are praying for them to give back our chosen governor,” the priest concluded.
It can be recalled that Governor Rosal’s wife, elected Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal, suffered a similar fate after being involved in the aforementioned cash aid distribution in the same year.
According to reports, the couple launched a two-day cash assistance campaign for tricycle drivers and senior citizens. But Governor Rosal maintains that the payout was done as a part of the local government’s program for its constituents.
Meanwhile, the SC released a status quo ante order to halt the disqualification of Mayor Rosal and temporarily stop Rep. Alfredo Garbin from assuming office.
Supporters of the Governor are hoping for the same intervention from the SC so that a proper investigation can be carried out before any “hasty” rulings.