CONVICTED RAPIST. Romeo Jalosjos can't run for Zamboanga City mayor due to an SC ruling. File photo by Paterno Esmaquel II

MANILA, Philippines - Former Zamboanga del Norte Rep and convicted rapist Romeo Jalosjos asked the Supreme Court on Monday, January 21, to reverse a resolution of the Commission on Elections disqualifying him from running for mayor in May.

Jalsosjos said that Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion when it cancelled his certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor of Zamboanga City.

The poll body cited his perpetual disqualification from office due to his conviction for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness in 1997.

Jalosjos was convicted in 1997 for raping an 11-year-old girl. In 2002, the Supreme Court upheld his conviction with finality.

Jalosjos also sought a temporary restraining order stopping the poll body from enforcing its resolution.

Romulo Macalintal, lawyer of Jalosjos, said Comelec deprived his client of his right to due process after it cancelled his COC without giving him a chance to defend his side through a hearing.

In September 2012, the Comelec also ruled that he cannot register as a new voter because he's a convict. - Rappler.com