Ex-gov wants Ecija placed under Comelec control

PALAYAN CITY - In strange move, former Gov. Eduardo N. Nonato Joson has asked the Commission on Elections to place Nueva Ecija under the poll body’s control

But incumbent Gov., Tomas N. Joson 3rd , who himself disclosed the move, welcomed the move of his brother who run for senator under the late Senator and Presidential candidate Raul Roco during the 2004 elections, saying this in a way erase doubt on the result of voting which, he believes, will be favourable to his family.

While his brother supported the candidacy of Roco, Joson 3rd supported Pres. Arroyo even as another sibling, then vice Gov. Eduardo Joson IV supported the presidential campaign of the late actor Fernando Poe, Jr. That was the first time the public saw such differences among the siblings.

“Sa isang banda e para sa akin okay lang ‘yun,” Joson, who is reportedly eyeing the mayoralty post of the highly urbanizing city of Cabanatuan, said in his “last speech as governor” before the top police and elections officials at the Nueva Ecija Convention Center here where he also urged them to keep being apolitical.

He said he was just informed of his brother’s letter requesting the Comelec to place the province under control.

Besides Joson 3rd, other relatives aspiring for elective positions are incumbent Vice Gov. Mariano Cristino Joson, for governor against third district Rep. Aurelio Umali of Lakas, his eldest son Edward Thomas, as the uncle’s vice gubernatorial tandem for vice governor, and Dale Joson, son of the vice governor incumbent first district Rep. Josie M. Joson for reelection as mayor of their hometown Quezon.

Ed-No who has been elected as governor in 1995 was a former member of the Batasang Pambansa and administrator of National Food Authority during the administration of deposed Pres. Joseph Estrada.

A place under Comelec control, sources said, is poured with beefed up security from various law enforcement agencies with an election commissioner especially overseeing the conduct of elections .