The counsel of Rep. Regina Ongsiako Reyes fears that a constitutional crisis may hit the country because of the alleged Supreme Court order addressed to the Speaker of the House, to swear in the son of Supreme Court Justice, Presbitero Velasco, as the representative of Marinduque. But the lawyer, Harry Roque, clarifies that Reyes continues to be the lawful representative of Marinduque in Congress.
“The Supreme Court’s spokesperson merely announced that the Court allegedly ruled against Reyes. No actual resolution has been issued by the Court; neither have we received a resolution from them,” Roque said. “Even if true, Reyes is entitled to file a motion for reconsideration within 15 days from the receipt of the Court’s resolution. Until the denial of that motion, Reyes continues to be the lawful representative of Marinduque in Congress.”
Roque assured the people of Marindque that they will file a motion for reconsideration in due time.
He added that Congress, not just the Speaker of the House, has to act as a collegial body if Reyes has to be ousted from the post. Roque added that the Supreme Court’s direct order to the House Speaker to swear in the son of SC Justice Presbitero Velasco, Lord Allan Velasco, as the lawmaker of the Marinduque as well as the order directly to the House secretary general to enlist the son of Justice Velasco as representative of Marinduque appear very motivated.
Based on the Constitution, all electoral protest involving congressmen shall be decided upon solely by the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal. Ironically, the HRET is also chaired by Justice Presbitero Velasco.
Meanwhile, the camp of Reyes bewails the fact that she was not given due process by the Comelec in the hearings of the disqualification case against her. Reyes was not given a chance at all to present her evidence or to defend herself at any time in the Comelec or in the Supreme Court despite the unbelievable nature and circumstances that surrounded her case.
The disqualification case of Reyes was started and based on a mere blog in the Internet, the creator of which was never seen or brought in to testify live in the presence of Comelec commissioners, Reyes’ camp said.
A similar case of citizenship, and in contrast, Senator Grace Poe is being given all the chances and time by the Comelec to present her evidence and defend allegations against her, it said.
Reyes said she was saddened that she was not given even half the time and opportunity the Comelec and the Supreme Court are giving Senator Poe, despite the fact that both of Reyes’ parents are natural-born citizens and have served the country well in various positions in the government for many years.