"Decision not final": Matt Erwin Florido camp vows appeal after Comelec disqualification

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Mayor Matt Erwin Florido, currently contesting a disqualification ruling from the Comelec First Division. Known for h...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Mayor Matt Erwin Florido, currently contesting a disqualification ruling from the Comelec First Division. Known for his local development initiatives and focus on constituent needs, Mayor Florido now faces allegations of vote-buying as he seeks to expand his public service to the congressional level. (Mayor Matt Florido Withaheart)

GENERAL LUNA, Quezon - Amidst allegations of vote-buying, Mayor Matt Erwin Florido, the incumbent mayor of this town, faces a significant challenge to his bid for a congressional seat in Quezon's 3 District. The April 30 decision, stemming from a complaint filed by Buenavista residents, has triggered a strong response from Florido's campaign, who assert their intent to appeal the preliminary findings.

The ruling body found “substantial evidence” that Florido's representatives distributed 1,000 pesos, along with free transportation, meals, campaign T-shirts, and drinks, at an “orientation” in Catanauan on April 5 and 6, allegedly to solicit votes, a claim vehemently denied by Florido's camp who presented their own documentation of campaign expenses. It has instructed its Law Department to conduct a preliminary investigation into the alleged violations of the Omnibus Election Code.



Florido's campaign maintains the ruling is preliminary and vows to exhaust all legal remedies, including a Motion for Reconsideration before the Comelec En Banc and potential appeals to the Supreme Court, citing established legal procedures for contesting such decisions within the Philippine judicial system. They characterize the disqualification as a politically motivated move by established political dynasties seeking to suppress Florido’s grassroots campaign.

He serves as the Municipal Mayor of General Luna, Quezon. His public service record includes initiatives aimed at local development, and he has demonstrated a focus on addressing the needs of his constituents. The mayor has implemented programs within his municipality, such as those that gave "triple pay" to single municipal workers on valentines day.

Supporters of Mayor Matt Erwin Florido gather at the Divine Mercy Place of Prayer in General Luna, Quezon, on May 1 for a prayer rally following the Comelec's disqualification order.

In addition information shows that he has been involved in projects concerning educational infrastructure within General Luna he has also been involved with working with the department of education to improve educational situations within his municipality. Now Florido is trying to expand his public service by running for a congressional seat for the 3 district of Quezon.

The ruling detailed the evidence presented by the complainants, which included sworn affidavits and photographic evidence allegedly documenting the distribution of cash and goods at the Catanauan event, prompting the Comelec First Division to issue the disqualification order. It rejected Florido's claim that the event was an internal campaign affair, citing the presence of non-volunteers.

Inconsistencies in Florido’s explanations regarding the distributed items and cash were also highlighted, specifically regarding the lack of official receipts or a clear list of beneficiaries for the alleged "cash advance." His assertions that the T-shirts were uniforms and the cash was a “cash advance” were dismissed, noting the lack of supporting financial records typically maintained by political campaigns.

It was argued that an organization reliant on donations would likely maintain records of fund disbursements, weakening Florido’s defense. “The presence of the Petitioners who are not volunteers shows that the event is not exclusive. We are more convinced that the orientation, or at least a part of it, is intended to secure supporters and votes for Respondent. And, to secure such support, material considerations were distributed,” the ruling stated.

In a video address released on May 1, Florido directly addressed the disqualification, reinforcing his resolve to challenge the ruling. He specifically mentioned his intent to file a Motion for Reconsideration with the Comelec First Division as the first step in his appeal, a legal recourse available to contest decisions of a Comelec division before it becomes final. He emphasized the continuation of his legal battle.

Florido then addressed the specifics of the Comelec ruling, stating that the accusations against his campaign are based on false information and are being used to undermine his candidacy, a claim he vowed to disprove through the presentation of additional evidence during the appeal process. His legal team is preparing the proper documents, and he is confident that once all evidence is presented, he will be vindicated.

He denied the vote-buying accusations, asserting his innocence and alleging political manipulation, saying "Sinusubukan nila tayong siraan, pero alam ng taumbayan ang katotohanan. Wala tayong ginawang masama." Florido concluded his address by rallying his supporters, urging them to remain united and steadfast in the face of this legal challenge as the election draws nearer.

Florido’s campaign also clarified that the Comelec First Division's decision is not yet final. They emphasized that under Comelec rules, they have five days to file a Motion for Reconsideration before the Comelec En Banc. Should the En Banc's decision remain unfavorable, they retain the option to appeal to the Supreme Court through a Petition for Certiorari, a process that could extend the legal proceedings significantly beyond the upcoming May elections. 

They assert that until a final and executory decision is rendered, Florido remains a legitimate candidate, his name will stay on the ballot, and votes cast for him will be considered valid according to existing election laws and Comelec policies, ensuring that his supporters can still exercise their right to vote for him. The campaign maintains their position that the fight continues and the voting should proceed, emphasizing that the power ultimately resides with the people in determining their elected officials.

The disqualification order has intensified the political climate in Quezon's 3 District. The outcome of the impending legal appeals will be closely watched, as it could significantly impact the electoral landscape in a traditionally tightly contested region where local political dynamics play a crucial role. Both the ruling and Florido’s response underscore the importance of fair electoral practices and the legal processes available to candidates in the Philippines, especially in the lead-up to national and local elections.

Following news of his disqualification, a prayer rally convened on the evening of May 1 at the Divine Mercy Place of Prayer in General Luna, Quezon, drawing numerous supporters of Mayor Florido. Attendees expressed their solidarity and called for a fair resolution to the case, with many participants holding lit candles and reciting prayers for Mayor Florido's continued candidacy.