Due to tardy filing, SC junks appeal of 3 party-list solons

MANILA, Philippines - Saying that the motions were filed "out of time," the Supreme Court (SC) dismissed three party-list lawmakers' intervention opposing the court's previous decision to allow non-marginalized groups to be nominated in the May polls.

"The SC denied the Motion for Leave to file Motion for Reconsideration-in-Intervention  by Bayan Muna, Anakpawis and Gabriela for having been filed out of time," SC spokesman Theodore Te said in a report Wednesday.

The lawmakers' appeal were filed before the court last April 29,  three weeks after SC allowed party-list groups that are "regional" and "civic" to participate in the polls. 

Related story: SC: Party-list groups need not be 'marginalized'

Te added that the high court denied the petition by Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan and Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares also due to Comelec's acceptance of the court decision.

"Without a motion for reconsideration of the decision filed by Comelec, the decision has become final," Te added.