THE disqualification cases filed against former Foreign Affairs chief Alan Peter Cayetano and wife Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano are seen to settle the long-standing question on whether spouses may seek political posts in different areas.
"This practice of couples running in different districts is becoming more common," said Emil Marañon III, lawyer of petitioner Leonides Buac Jr., in an interview after attending a hearing of the cases Monday, February 4, in Manila.
"Precisely, we want the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to come up with definite ruling if it is allowed or not. We believe it is not allowed under the law," he added.
Cayetano is running for congressman of the First District of Taguig City while wife Lani is eyeing to represent the Second District of Taguig City.
Buac, thru Marañon, filed separate petitions to deny due course to the Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) of the Cayetanos.
The petitions questioned Cayetano's claim that he is a resident of Barangay Bagumbayan in the First District, while wife Lani claims that she resides in Barangay Fort Bonifacio in the Second District.
The petitions said this is not in accordance with Article 69 of the Family Code.
For their part, the Cayetano camp expressed hope that it will not be long before the Comelec resolves their cases.
George Garcia, lawyer of the Cayetano couple, said they want the disqualification cases settled once the printing of official ballots and the campaign period starts.
"We are hoping that the Comelec will speed up the case. It is under the law that such cases should be decided before Election Day," said Garcia in a separate interview.
"Of course we are confident that their names will be on the ballots. But it will be better if all doubts are already removed," added Garcia. (HDT/VoxPop Philippines)