Comelec division’s ruling on Poe ‘politicized’ – Trillanes

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has accused the Commission on Elections (Comelec) second division of favoring “political interest” when it  disqualified presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe from the 2016 race.

The vice presidential aspirant said in a news forum on Wednesday, December 2, that the Comelec division’s ruling is not “objective.”

“I am extremely disappointed with the second division of the Comelec for allowing themselves to be used as political instruments and to favor political interest,” said Trillanes, who is supporting Poe’s candidacy.

He said he thought that the Comelec, under the Aquino administration, “has changed.”

“They were appointees of President Aquino, kaya disappointed po ako (that’s why I’m disappointed)….Kasi the assumption, ang pinipili natin ‘yung mga non-partisan (The assumption is the ones chosen are non-partisan),” Trillanes said.

Signatories of the decision, Comelec Commissioners Al Parreño, Arthur Lim, and Sheriff Abas, are Aquino appointees.

Asked if he thinks the ruling party is behind the decision, Trillanes said: “Let’s just say that your guess is as good as mine. But let me just stress that I won’t fault the President for this.”

Trillanes also asked the Comelec division: “Why would they reckon it from the day that she filed for dual citizenship? They should have reckoned her residency from the moment she intended to live in the Philippines.”

He also said that whoever was behind the alleged politicized ruling may not even benefit from Poe’s disqualification.

Trillanes added he believes in the Senate Electoral Tribunal’s ruling on Poe’s citizenship. On November 17, the SET denied the disqualification case against Poe, saying that she is a natural-born citizen.

‘Friendly’ president

During the forum, Trillanes referred to Poe as the “friendly” president who would give him the opportunity to handle a significant Cabinet post, should he be elected as vice president.

Trillanes said he wants to be interior secretary, because he believes in his competence to implement reforms in the police force.

He believes he would not get his desired post if former interior secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II or Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte wins. When asked, he said he “won’t even try” to seek the position from Vice President Jejomar Binay, should both of them win in the 2016 elections.

Trillanes is one of the staunchest critics of the Vice President, and was among those who led the Senate investigation into the corruption allegations against him and other members of the Binay family.

Trillanes’ group, Magdalo party-list, endorsed Poe’s candidacy when Trillanes declared his bid in October. – Rappler.com