ZAMBOANGA CITY — Councilor Charlie Mariano of this city’s first district stepped down from office after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has affirmed in finality his disqualification.
This developed as the poll body has issued a Writ of Execution, which was deemed final and executory, dated November 16, 2017 signed by Atty. Christian Robert Lim, the Comelec Acting Chairperson.
Lawyer Stephen Roy Cañete, first district election officer, on Tuesday served the writ to Mariano during the City Council’s regular session.
It stated that the Comelec First Division has disqualified Mariano on November 23, 2016, after four of his colleagues and four other losing candidates in the 2016 elections filed a disqualification case against him.
The petitioners cited that Mariano is disqualified from seeking and holding an elective position as he was found guilty by the Supreme Court for violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 or the Bouncing Cheque Law prior to the 2016 elections.
Mariano has filed a motion for reconsideration on his disqualification case but “the Commission En Banc promulgated a Resolution on August 31, 2017 denying his Motion for Reconsideration dated December 13, 2016 and, accordingly, affirming the Resolution of the First Division.”
The Comelec En Banc issued a Certificate of Finality on September 26, 2017 “declaring the 31 August 2017 Resolution as final and executory.”
In his farewell speech, Mariano expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and staff of the City Council and the residents of this city who voted him into office.
He vowed to be of service to the public “for as long as there is the opportunity to serve the people and to make contact with the people.”
“I’m committed to coming back because my only lifelong quest is public service. I cannot work in a private capacity since my love is really in politics,” Mariano, who was so emotional, said.
Mariano added that he does not hold any grudges to the petitioners on his disqualification case. (PNA)
