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Philippines
Friday, January 17, 2025
25.4 C
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Friday, January 17, 2025

SC stops Erice DQ; Comelec halts ballot printing

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The Supreme Court (SC) issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) Tuesday on the disqualification of former Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice.

The TRO required the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to respond to Erice’s petition within 10 days.

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This prompted Comelec to temporarily stop the ongoing printing of 73 million ballots for the 2025 midterm elections that began on January 6.

The poll body initially excluded Erice’s name after upholding his disqualification for allegedly disseminating false information to disrupt the electoral process.

“The [election management system] will be changed, including the database, and we have to start again the serialization of each and every candidate’s name nationwide,” Garcia said, noting the extensive technical and logistical adjustments required if Erice’s name is reinstated.

Garcia acknowledged the potential disruption, saying it will delay their ballot printing schedule, but assured this will not result in the postponement of elections.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Garcia told reporters the Comelec remains “in control of the situation” as it complies with the SC decision.

Aside from Erice, the High Tribunal also issued a TRO prohibiting Comelec from cancelling the certificate of candidacy of Florendo de Ramos Ritualo Jr., a former professional basketball player running for Sangguniang Panlungsod in San Juan City’s 1st District.

The Comelec was also directed to accept and give due course to the COC of Chito Balintay, a member of the indigenous peoples of Zambales who filed his COC for governor.

The poll body was also prohibited from declaring Charles Savellano, who is running for Ilocos Sur 1st District representative, a nuisance candidate, as well as Subair Guinthum Mustapha who is running for senator.

SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the names of the candidates have to be included in the ballot following the order of the SC.

Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Erice, 4 others secure Supreme Court TRO vs Comelec DQ.”

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