LP appeals Lim disqualification

BY JP LOPEZ





Original Story: http://www.malaya.com.ph/12222009/news4.html


THE Liberal Party yesterday asked the Commission on Elections to reverse its decision to disqualifying former Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim from the senatorial race.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, LP senatorial slate campaign manager, said the poll body erred in disqualifying Lim on the ground that he is incapable of launching a nationwide campaign.

He said the LP has endorsed Lim as one of its candidates and would wage a vigorous campaign on his behalf.

Lim is under detention for a supposed plot to overthrow the Arroyo government in February 2006.

"How then can Danny Lim be incapable of conducting a nationwide campaign if he has been included in the slate of the dominant opposition party? The Comelec must reverse its earlier ruling and allow Danny Lim to run for the Senate," Pangilinan said noting LP was recognized in 2007 by the Comelec itself as the dominant minority party.

LP campaign manager Florencio Abad said Lim originally filed his candidacy as a guest candidate of the LP. His entry to the party should cure the original ground for his disqualification, he said.

"Danny Lim has joined the Liberal Party. This removes any and all doubt as to Danny Lim’s ability to wage a national campaign for the Senate," Abad said.

Lim last week appealed his disqualification, saying he was capable of waging a nationwide campaign because of his adoption by the LP and three other major parties -- Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino of former President Joseph Estrada, Bangon Pilipinas of Bro. Eddie Villanueva, and Aksyon Democratiko, which is represented by senatorial candidate Sonio Roco.

Another detained rebel soldier, former Marines Col. Ariel Querubin, has joined the Nacionalista Party. He was among who made it to the Comelec’s initial list of qualified candidates.

The other LP senatorial candidates are Representatives Ruffy Biazon, Teofisto "TG" Guingona III, and Risa Hontiveros; former senators Frank Drilon, Sergio Osmeña III, and Ralph Recto; former Bukidnon representative Nereus Acosta; physician Martin Bautista, lawyer Alex Lacson; peace and women’s rights advocate Yasmin Busran Lao; and Sonia Roco, educator and widow of senator Raul Roco.


Original Story: http://www.malaya.com.ph/12222009/news4.html