By Nehmia Elyxa Relano

PHOTO: PHILSTAR

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon on Monday, January 31, said the delay in deciding on the Marcos DQ cases is a “conspiracy to defeat her vote.”

She then mentioned she will reveal the name of the politician who allegedly attempted to intervene in the resolution of disqualification cases against presidential contender Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in due time.

Guanzon said she will first approach Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas, giving him the chance to make a "last-ditch effort" to resolve the situation among themselves after being asked if the name of the politician who allegedly attempted to sway other poll commissioners in the First Division should be made public.

“Yes… I think I will inform Chairman Abas out of courtesy later… I will give Chairman Abas the last-ditch effort to resolve this problem. I am calling on Chairman Abas to resolve, help us resolve this problem because it is already affecting the integrity of the entire Commission on Elections,” she said.

She also suggested screening of incoming Comelec commissioners from the Judicial and Bar Council.

“Dapat siguro sa susunod ang lahat ng aplikante sa Comelec ay dadaan na sa Judicial and Bar Council para sila ay masuri ang kanilang kakayahan,” she said.

Further, Guanzon challenged fellow Comelec officials to resign and even bet on her retirement benefits. 

Guanzon, meanwhile, issued her separate opinion on the consolidated DQ petitions pending the decision of the First Division.