Justice's son rightfully wins Marinduque election
Reelectionist Lord Allan Jay Velasco, son of Supreme Court Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco,
was declared the rightful congressman of Marinduque after the board of canvassers disqualified
his opponent, Regina Ongsiako Reyes, for being an American citizen.
Reyes submitted a motion to reverse the Supreme Court’s decision on July 15. The ruling was
made by Associate Justice Jose Perez. Nelia Aureus, one of Reyes’ legal counsel, walked out
after the reading of the court’s decision. Now, Reyes also calls for Assoc. Justice Perez to inhibit
himself from the case, believing that the ruling was influenced by Assoc. Justice Velasco’s clout
within the court and friendship with Assoc. Justice Perez. Congressman Velasco issued a
statement about Reyes’ allegations and maintains that they are “baseless.” He also said that
Reyes violated several rules of court by discussing details of the case and pieces of evidence,
such as documents that prove her citizenship, publicly.
Reyes’ camp adamantly insists that her initial proclamation as the congresswoman of
Marinduque is legally binding, which caused her to already carry out the tasks that come with her
then proclaimed political title. Despite her camp’s claims, Atty. Ma. Josefina dela Cruz, chair of
the newly established Marinduque board of canvassers, stands by the rule that Reyes’
proclamation is “null, void, and without any legal force.”
Reyes is also lawyer and a part of the Reyes clan, a political dynasty that has reigned in
Marinduque for decades.
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