Press Release
May 5, 2007

KIKO ON MAYOR JESSE ROBREDO'S ALLEGED
INELIGIBILITY TO RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE

"We are deeply concerned by what appears to be the harassment of public officials running for reelection. I am concerned that the Special 1 st Division Court of the Commission on Elections has committed a terrible mistake by declaring Mayor Jesse Robredo ineligible to hold public office because of his citizenship.

Mayor Jesse has been a public servant since 1988; he is on his 5th term and running for his 6 th term. He and the people of Naga City have garnered more than 30 international, national and regional citations for the progress that Naga City has demonstrated. He has consistently prioritized the needs o the poor and the needy. He was reelected unopposed in 1995 and received the 2000 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, because he gave "credence to the promise of democracy."

The dirty tactics aimed at Mayor Jesse Robredo is most unfortunate. It is the kind of politics that has prevented our country from progressing in the same pace as our neighbors. What kind of democracy has our country evolved into, when we disrespect and discredit the very models f good government that our country continues to look up to? What kind o democracy do we have if we discredit individuals who are esteemed public servants?

I urge the COMELEC to reconsider its decision. The haste in the arrival at this decision to disqualify Mayor Jesse is a serious cause for concern that must be vigorously opposed."

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