MALOLOSCITY -- Ousted Bulacan Gov. Joselito
"Jonjon" Mendoza has remained holed-up in one corner of the ProvincialCapitolBuilding,
a clear sign of his defiance against the writ of execution issued by the
Commission on Elections in favor of Gov. Roberto "Obet" Pagdanganan.
Bulacan now has two seating governors, both functioning as provincial chief
executives and bringing confusion to their constituents in this satellite
province south of Pampanga.
While Pagdangan holds office at the BlasOpleBuilding
accompanied by his supporters and staff, Mendoza
continues to discharge his functions as governor of the province.
On Monday, Pagdanganan attempted to take over the post from Mendoza but they were prevented by a throng
of supporters from the camp of the governor.
Barricades remain at the entrance leading to the Capitol grounds, while exits
had been sealed by trucks and barbed wires to prevent Pagdanganan’s supporters
from massing near the provincial capitol.
Pagdanganan, meanwhile, called on his
supporters and staff at the Blas Ople building where he formally announced his
take over. With him was provincial Comelec supervisor Sabino Majarito.
Tension rose when provincial legal officer Eugene Ressurrecion told Mejarito
that he could not accept the writ of execution.
Mejarito, who was accompanied by Supt. Manuel M. Lukban, Jr., commander of the
Provincial Public Safety Management Company, told Ressurrecion and Mendoza’s
supporters that he was only performing his job.
Pagdanganan said the issue concerning the TRO is now moot and academic since
the writ of execution and Comelec order have already been served, posted and
implemented.
He said he will temporarily hold office at the Gat. Blas Ople building until
the capitol is cleared of barricades.
In a last ditch attempt to stay in power, Mendoza asked the Supreme Court to
issue a restraining order or a status quo ante to prevent Pagdanganan from
assuming the gubernatorial post.
He also asked the High Tribunal to direct the Commission on Elections to
refrain from implementing its order to unseat him and to order Pagdanganan to
cease and desist from “usurping, assuming, and performing the functions of the
contested position.”