ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 22, 2012) – Supporters of Zamboanga City Congresswoman Maria Isabelle Salazar, who is running for mayor here in next year’s polls, praised the Election Regulatory Board for upholding the petition filed by the politician to disqualify former Zamboanga del Norte lawmaker Romeo Jalosjos, Sr. from the local voter’s registration.
The Election Regulatory Board on Wednesday rejected fresh appeals by the wealthy Jalosjos to junk the petition of Salazar. The ERB has reset the hearing of the arguments of both Jalosjos and Salazar on August 31 in Zamboanga City.
Jalosjos, who was convicted in 1997 for raping an 11-year old girl, was able to register with the Commission on Election in Zamboanga City, but this was opposed by Salazar on the grounds that the former politician is disqualified to register as a new voter here because of his conviction.
The ageing Jalosjos is also eyeing the mayoralty post.
“The ERB is fair and it hears both sides alright, and we are happy with the rejection of the appeals of Jalosjos to junk the petition filed by Congresswoman Salazar,” said Mikee Santiago, a support of the politician.
Hundreds of followers of Salazar trooped to the local office of the Commission on Elections to show their support to one of Zamboanga’s most respected and influential politician.
Another Zamboanga City lawmaker, Erico Fabian, said he is also running for mayor in 2013 local and national polls. (Mindanao Examiner)
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