By Inquirer.net (11-Jan-10)

JEDDAH, K.S.A. – A group of overseas Filipinos here have launched an online petition urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reverse its decision rejecting the senatorial candidacy of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW).

Nhazruddin “Rudy" Dianalan, a systems engineer based in Saudi Arabia, was disqualified by the poll body from the senatorial race on the premise that he did not have the capability of launching a nationwide campaign as he has no nationwide political machinery.

The petition assailed the Comelec ruling for being “discriminatory and biased" not only against independent candidates but against the Filipino overseas community as well.

By Veronica Uy, Inquirer.net (04-Jan-2010)

MANILA, Philippines—A Saudi-based overseas Filipino worker whose senatorial bid was rejected by the Commission on Elections has asked the poll body to reconsider its decision.

Nhazrudin “Rudy” N.D. Dianalan flew home last week to file a supplemental opposition to Comelec Resolution 8713 promulgated December 15, 2009. He met with INQUIRER.net, whom he provided a copy of his motion.

Dianalan said he possesses all the qualifications required by the Constitution to run for senator, and not any of the disqualifications set by the Constitution as to the minimum age or minimum residency.

In his motion, he noted that he is a natural-born Filipino and at least 35 years old. He graduated from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Mineral with the degree of BS Systems Engineer as cum laude, and now a candidate for a master’s degree in national security administration. Working most of his life in Jeddah, he is now chief systems engineer of an international airline.

By Carolyn O. Arguillas, (31-Dec-09)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/30 December) – The Office of the Regional Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) released on December 29 a new list of Cabinet members with appointments signed December 21, but  two names are missing from last week’s announcement: Dr. Alejandrito Descallar of Marawi City  as Health Secretary and Makil Pundaodaya of Ditsaan Ramain, Laano del Sur as Education Secretary.  MindaNews reported on December 25 that Pundaodaya, regional chief of the Department of Education in Region 12 in the 1990s, has, under Administrative Order 80 on July 31, 1999 (http://www.chanrobles.com) been disqualified “from re-employment in the government service,” and his financial benefits forfeited after he and Diamar Kadon were found guilty of Gross Neglect of Duty for having “signed and approved disbursement vouchers for undelivered graders' desks and their failure to ascertain the delivery of said materials/equipment” from 1992 to 1993.