Senate Electoral Tribunal starts hearing on disqualification case vs Poe

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) started yesterday to discuss the disqualification case filed against Sen. Grace Poe.

It met to iron out some organizational matters and has set in motion the case that Rizalito David has filed questioning Poe’s nationality and residency status, according to  Sen. Vicente Sotto III. 

“We designated a spokesperson who is attorney Irene Guevarra, the SET secretary,” he said. “Technically, the case has already started. We are not supposed to discuss it or talk about it.” 

The procedure to hear David’s complaint has been started, but he had not provided any details, Sotto said. 

The SET reportedly met at a posh hotel in Manila.

Sen. Nancy Binay, a member who was also present during the SET regular meeting, refused to comment.

The members are now considered “judges” who will eventually weigh evidence on the petition filed against Poe, she said.

David filed a disqualification case against Poe before the SET, questioning her nationality and residency. 

He also filed another case before the Commission on Elections.