The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to resolve soon the first case seeking to cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
This after the poll body’s Second Division has ordered the petitioners, Fr. Christian Buenafe and others, and the former senator to submit within five days, upon receipt of the order, their respective memoranda.
It added that the case is submitted for resolution after the period expires.
“The parties are hereby given a period of five days from receipt of this Order to file their respective Memoranda in accordance with Comelec Resolution No. 10673. The case is deemed submitted for resolution after the lapse of the said period,” stated the order penned by Commissioner Socorro Inting dated December 13 and made public Thursday.
The Second Division also denied the request of the petitioners for the issuance of subpoena and prayer of the respondent for face-to-face argument.
“Wherefore, premises considered, the Commission (Second Division) hereby resolves to deny the request for issuance of Subpoena Duces Tecum dated 19 November 2021 and Exparte Urgent Motion for issuance of Subpoena Duces Tecum and the prayer for face-to-face argument in his Answer dated 19 November 2021 of respondent,” it added.
On the other hand, lawyer Theodore Te, counsel for the petitioners said they will issue an update once the memoranda are submitted.
“Memoranda are due on the 20th, the 5th day being a non-working day. No other statement or reaction needed at this time. Will update after memoranda are submitted,” he added in a statement.
The Marcos camp has yet to issue a statement.
Buenafe and others filed a petition to cancel Marcos’ COC for containing multiple false material representations.