Comelec told: Resolve political impasse in Antique, 5 other provinces
The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) has called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to fast-track the proclamation of winners in the gubernatorial race in Antique and five other provinces to prevent a "vacuum in leadership" which may lead to "chaos".
LPP spokesman and Eastern Visayas Gov. Ben Evardone said the 81-member LPP is concerned of the possible impact of the delay in determining the winning candidates as the term of office of current governors nears.
Evardone noted that more than a month after the May 14 elections, winners in the provinces of Antique, Isabela, Shariff Kabunsuan, Laguna and Cagayan have not been proclaimed.
"The vacuum of leadership in these provinces due to non-proclamation of winners may create chaos come June 30 (at) the end of the term of incumbent governors," Evardone said.
The proclamation of winners in most of these provinces has been stalled due to pre-proclamation protests, said Evardone.
The gubernatorial race in Antique is being contested by reelectionist Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar-Perez and her closest rival, former assemblyman Arturo Pacificador.
In Isabela, the post is still being contested by reelectionist Gov. Maria Gracia Cielo Padaca and former governor Benjamin Dy while it is between reelectionist Gov. Edgar Lara and Alvaro Antonio in Cagayan.
Protests have also stalled the proclamation of the winning gubernatorial candidate in Laguna between reelectionist Gov. Teresita Lazaro and Edwin Olivarez.
The newly created province of Shariff Kabunsuan has been placed under Comelec control for election-related violence and security concerns. None among the three candidates--incumbent Gov. Bimbo Sinsuat, former Sultan Kudarat Mayor Tocao Mastura ad former ARMM Gov. Zacaria Candao--has been proclaimed.
Evardone said the early proclamation of the winning candidates would "prevent hiatus in the delivery of basic services to the people" and would give justice to the winners. It will also prevent "legal controversies and misinterpretations" that might arise on June 30 on who will assume the gubernatorial post.
He said that they do not want to raise unnecessary alarm, "but a vacuum in leadership might spur uncertainty and restlessness among the people in these areas."
"There is a growing impatience and anxiety among the people and we are concerned why it is taking too long for the Comelec to resolve the issues," Evardone said in a telephone interview.
He said they do not want the tension and anxiety to erupt into violence especially between supporters of contending parties and candidates.