Comelec defends decision to disqualify Poe

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections on Tuesday presented its arguments before the Supreme Court in connection to the disqualification of presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe.

The poll body earlier disqualified Poe from the presidential race, citing residency and citizenship issues.

Commissioners Rowena Guanzon and Arthur Lim presented the Comelec's arguments before the high court. Lim was put under interpellation.

Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo asked whether the Comelec has the jurisdiction to decide on the issue of citizenship. He questioned why the poll body did not let the Presidential Electoral Tribunal to handle the proceedings.

Lim cited Section 78 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) which was the basis in cancelling Poe's certificate of candidacy.

The Comelec commissioner stressed that the OEC has similarities with "quo warranto" proceedings due to the issue of eligibility.

Lim added that the poll body merely decided on "material misrepresentation."

LIVE: Oral arguments on Poe vs Comelec - Day 3

Meanwhile, SC Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio asked the en banc to extend the duration of the oral arguments Poe's cases as there are only three months left before the elections.

Poe was still included in the initial list of candidates that the Comelec released last month. The poll body is scheduled to begin the printing of ballots by February 8.