Ferolino debuts Guanzon
COMMISSION on Elections Commissioner Aimee Ferolino answered Commissioner Rowena Guanzon accusation that she was delaying the resolution of the disqualification case against Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
In a letter sent to Comelec Chairperson Sheriff Abas, Ferolino denied that there was an undue delay in the resolution of the case, adding that if there was any delay, it was in conducting the preliminary conference to accommodate Guanzon’s caprices.
“If there really [was] a delay, it was [in] setting the preliminary conference. The schedule of the proceeding was adjusted in time for her arrival in Manila because she wanted to personally take part in the proceeding and that it be broadcasted live on Facebook,” she said.
Ferolino said her office was within the timelines and well within the bounds of the rules in resolving the case.
“The period of 15 days given to the ponencia to draft a resolution is applicable only to a single case, the same period cannot be applied to consolidated cases like the Marcos case, hence there is still reasonable time for my office to craft an impartial resolution of a complex and highly rated case. Rest assured that in crafting the resolution, my office is doing its best so that the commission will not be placed in a bad light and will be given the respect it deserves,” she added.
Ferolina also accused Guanzon of trying to influence her in the disqualification case against Marcos.
“In all honesty Chair, it was not only the date of the promulgation that she imposed upon me. She also consistently took liberties in telling me to adopt her opinion,” she said in her letter.
Ferolino pointed out that Guanzon’s revelation that she had been tasked to draft the resolution on the case had opened her to pressure from different personalities and organizations.
She also criticized Guazon for drafting and making public her dissenting opinion ahead of the submission of the resolution.
“It is quite appalling that Commissioner Guanzon was able to draft an opinion when the ponencia has not yet submitted the resolution and all the case records are in my possession. The Presiding Commissioner of the First Division is putting the cart before the horse to justify her demands. In doing so, one thing is clear to me, she is trying to influence my decision and trying hard to persuade me to her direction,” Ferolino said.
“But I am not like her, not even close. I did not read her separate opinion as I do not want my judgment to be influenced by her opinion nor other people’s opinion,” she added.
