RAFANAN OPTIMISTIC HIGH COURT WILL UPHOLD ANSON-ROA PETITION VS. GMA March 20, 2004 Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino senatorial candidate Boots Anson-Roa said yesterday that the petition she had filed with the Supreme Court for the disqualification of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for alleged electioneering finds support in Comelec spokesman Ferdinand Rafanan. In the television program "Dong Puno Live" Rafanan said Anson-Roa was right in filing the petition after learning the reasons behind the petition. Rafanan, who was unceremoniously relieved from his post and transferred to Region 8, pointed out that the use of government funds and facilities in a political campaign constitutes an " election offense ". One example that was brought out during the TV program was the issuance of Philhealth cards carrying the name and photo of the President. The petition, filed jointly by Anson - Roa and her fellow KNP senatorial bet Amina Rasul, charged the President with the misuse of government funds and facilities in her campaign. It also sought the elevation of Vice President Teofisto Guingona as acting president in the event the President is disqualified. Anson - Roa and Rasul pointed out that there is no level playing filed where a sitting president can use government funds, personnel and facilities in an election campaign while the rival candidates are left to fend for themselves in terms of funding. The multi-awarded actress said she and Rasul found the resolve to file the petition with the high tribunal upon the urgings and advice of righteous citizens in e-mail and text messages. "I cannot afford to play blind and deaf to the gross violation of the Constitution and the Omnibus Election Law by the President," Anson - Roa said.