No precinct changes in Sulu for 2019 midterm elections — Supreme Court

MANILA, Philippines — Adjustments in the voting precincts in Sulu for the May 13 elections are not allowed, the Supreme Court (SC) has ruled.

Justices of the high court agreed during their summer session in Baguio City yesterday to issue a status quo ante order (SQA) on the order of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for clustering, declustering, transfer, alteration and establishment of precincts in the province.

The SQA covers 11 resolutions issued by the poll body on March 20 regarding the elections in Sulu.

The SC granted the petitions of Gov. Abdusakur Tan, who is seeking re-election, second district congressional candidate Nurhaipa Berto and vice mayoralty bet Almedzar Hajiri.

In a press conference, SC spokesman Brian Hosaka said the assailed Comelec resolutions could not be implemented pending an order of the high tribunal.