More Bulakeños discover their names arbitrarily used in petition

PULILAN, Bulacan — More Bulakenyos are coming out to deplore the arbitrary use of their names and forging of their signatures in the recall petition against the governor of this province.

Yesterday, 72-year- old Rita de Leon of Hagonoy, Bulacan, complained after finding out that her name and signature was in the recall petition list.

“We are very dismayed about this recall petition that is happening… there’s negative publicity everyday from petitioners,” De Leon said.

She was even more incensed that apart from her name appearing in the recall petition, she found out that even the names of her two children – Dr. Ruel de Leon who is based in Davao City and Dr. Jose de Leon who is in the United States – were in the recall petition.

“This is very alarming,” Mrs. De Leon said in reaction to many reports of forged signatures on the petition as in the case of her family. “The national government has to think about it and decide what to do, to resolve this discussion immediately to maintain peace for the community,” she added.

“How will you believe this petition of former Bulacan Provincial Administrator Perlita Mendoza? My son s are in Davao and the United States and their names appeared in her petition!” Mrs. De Leon quipped.

Political kibitzers like retired Judge Arceo, formerly of the regional trial court ( RTC) in Bulacan, warned that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should be careful as it may show a favoring for the recall petition if it oversteps legal boundaries.

Arceo was referring to the Comelec’s move to proceed with the recall process despite a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by Bulacan RTC Branch 23 Judge Gregorio Agloro on the basis of protecting the governor’s right to due process of law.

“It appears that the petitioner in this recall move are being favored by poll officials due to some glaring legal overtures concerning the implementation of the recall process,” said the retired judge.

In Plaridel, businessman Ranilo Cruz, shared the same view as the Arceo, citing how “it seems that the proverbial cart was put before the horse.”

Cruz pointed out that before the resolution certifying that the recall is sufficient in form and substance was served to the respondent (governor), its publication has already been caused by the petitioner which is a clear violation of the election rules on recall proceedings.