Comelec upholds Aumentado’s CONA
THE CONA reinstating Governor Erico Aumentado as the official congressional bet of Lakas-Kampi-CMD party in the 2nd district of Bohol was no lollipop after all.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recently declared Aumentado as the official candidate of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party in the 2nd district and Judith Cajes as independent candidate for the same congressional position.
The unanimous en banc decision promulgated on January 26 finally put to rest the nagging issue of party representation in the district.
It also made Cajes eat his own words that the CONA reinstating Aumentado was just like a lollipop meant to stop the whining of Aumentado.
In a radio interview weeks back, Cajes downplayed the issuance of the CONA and likened it to a lollipop. He also maintained that the party hierarchy knew that the reinstatement didn’t mean anything because it was made after the deadline for filing of certificate of candidacy (COC).
But the COMELEC did not agree with Cajes.
Not only did the COMELEC recognize the validity of Aumentado’s reinstated CONA, it also recognized the revocation of the CONA of Judith Cajes and eventually declared her as an independent candidate.
Party support
The issuance of Aumentado’s CONA, in effect, was nothing but a consuelo de bobo because the support of the party officials in the province remains with him and his wife, Cajes was quoted as saying during a radio interview.
He was apparently referring to admin governatorial bet Edgar Chatto, vice governatorial bet Conching Lim and 3rd district congressional bet Arthur Yap.
But many considered this statement as nothing but sour grapes.
He could not expect support from them because his wife is now an independent candidate, a political observer opined.
If they do, the source continued, that would constitute an act of disloyalty. Chatto and company could be charged of betrayal because they are obligated to support Aumentado, the official bet of the party, the source added.
That would be another betrayal accusation for Chatto, another source said.
Culture of Lies
In last Friday’s radio program, the governor narrated an incident in San Miguel town where Cajes reportedly told his leaders and supporters that the COMELEC has not yet issued a decision on the CONA controversy.
He reportedly told them that they would just abide by the decision of the Comelec.
Aumentado said he hoped that Cajes would respect and abide by the decision of the COMELEC, as he promised in San Miguel.
“Manghinaot ko nga tumanon sa atong higala nga si Ondoy Cajes ang iyang gisaad sa San Miguel,” the governor was quoted as saying.
But the governor expressed his reservations.
Aumentado said he could not also expect Cong. Cajes to honor his promise because he broke his promise to former governor David Tirol before that he would serve for only 1 term.
The TIMES has learned that a written agreement was entered into between Tirol and Cajes and witnessed by Aumentado where Cajes committed to serve for only 1 term.
Turning his back on his promise, Cajes ran for reelection.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports said Judith Cajes would pursue her congressional bid even with the adverse decision of the COMELEC on the CONA issue.
This could not be confirmed because of the stand of the Cajes couple to channel their side to other local papers.
Tags: aumentado, comelec, CONA
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