MANILA – The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a temporary restraining order against the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from implementing a resolution denying the certificates of candidacy (COC) of candidates dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman, including those whose cases are on appeal.
In a press briefing, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the tribunal consolidated the separate petitions filed by former Albay governor Noel Rosal, Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama who were affected by the resolution.
The TRO suspends the poll body from implementing Resolution No. 11044-A dated September 24, which immediately denied the COC of candidates dismissed by the Ombudsman even if an appeal is pending.
“The Court ordered that the cases be consolidated. It also issued a temporary restraining order against the Comelec, which was ordered to comment on the petitions within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of notice,” Ting said.
Rosal was perpetually disqualified due to an administrative case; Rama was dismissed over nepotism charges; while Cortes was dismissed for grave misconduct.
In separate cases, Ting said the SC affirmed the disqualification of Rosal as Albay governor, Geraldine Rosal as mayor of Legazpi City, and Jose Alfonso Barizo as councilor of Legazpi City.
Their disqualifications are for violating the Omnibus Election Code in relation with the disbursement and release of government funds during the prohibited period before a regular election. (PNA)