Jalosjos camp warns of constitutional crisis

MANILA, Philippines — The camp of ousted Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos Jr. has warned of a constitutional crisis with the proclamation of Roberto Uy Jr. as representative of the province’s first district.

Jalosjos’ counsel, Edward Gialogo Jalosjos Jr., said the Supreme Court (SC) has yet to rule on the motions filed by the Office of Solicitor General (OSG) and the former congressman, which seek to block the proclamation of Uy.

“The motions for consi-deration left unresolved by the SC will result in a constitutional crisis, which is disruptive of the jurisprudential precepts laid down by the high court,” the lawyer said in a statement sent to The STAR yesterday.

On Nov. 5, the camp of Jalosjos and the OSG filed separate motions, insisting the SC does not have jurisdiction and merit over the case.

Since Jalosjos has been proclaimed and has taken his oath of office in June 2022, the OSG said his case should be under the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal.

The Commission on Elections last Friday proclaimed Uy as representative of the first district of Zamboanga del Norte based on the decision of the SC.

In the motion, the camp of Jalosjos said that Frederico Jalosjos, who was declared a nuisance candidate recently, changed his name in the local civil registry office in order to use the Jalosjos surname.

Frederico was a substitute candidate of Lester Uy Ong, who is a cousin of Uy.

Jalosjos said Frederico’s candidacy was intended to create confusion among the voters and slash the number of his votes.