SC revises TRO on Comelec DQ rulings vs Poe

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday amended temporary restraining orders (TROs) against the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) decision to cancel presidential aspirant, Sen. Grace Poe’s candidacy.

The high tribunal issued the amended TRO in connection with the two petitions filed by Poe’s lawyer, George Garcia, before the SC on Monday, stopping the Comelec from implementing its ruling that Poe is disqualified from the 2016 polls.

In the modified TRO, the SC included the private petitioners who filed disqualification cases against Poe in the list of those ordered to file respective comments. These respondents are former Sen. Francisco "Kit" Tatad, former Government Service Insurance System legal counsel Estrella "Star" Elamparo, former University of the East College of Law Dean Amado Valdez and De La Salle Professor Antonio Contreras.

On Monday, the SC only required the Comelec to submit its comments.

The private petitioners and the poll body are given a period of 10 days from notice to file their comments.

The SC, headed by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, issued two TROs in favor of Poe, halting the implementation of Comelec’s ruling to disqualify her from the race. The oral arguments are scheduled on Jan. 19, 2016.

Poe’s case will be handled by Associate Justices Mariano C. Del Castillo and Marvic F. Leonen.