Government officials running for an elective post in the May elections should immediately vacate their positions in compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr. Monday said.

Pimentel said the Cabinet officials should refrain from resorting to legal technicalities to evade the High Court’s order just so they can still cling to their government position.

He said overstaying members of the Cabinet, who have opted to stay put while waiting for the SC decision on Malacañang’s appeal on its ruling that deemed appointive public officials as automatically resigned upon filing of their certificates of candidacy (COCs) should heed the provisions of the SC ruling even while the final resolution is still pending.

Pimentel also said that aside from the SC ruling, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo had publicly stated that Cabinet members concerned should immediately resign instead of holding on to their posts by making an appeal to the high tribunal.

Pimentel described Cabinet members’ refusal to relinquish their positions as “terrible.”

“That is terrible. The moment an appointive official files his certificate of candidacy, his resignation is automatic. He need not wait for an order or advice from the President,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel said he received word that those who were supposedly directed by President Arroyo to stay put despite their letters of resignation were Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Presidential Management Staff Chief  Hermogenes Esperon and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Augusto Syjuco.

On the other hand, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raul Gonzalez said he has not tendered his resignation but would rather wait for the High Court’s action on the motion for reconsideration of the Office of the Solicitor General.