MANILA -- The Supreme Court has issued a Temporary Restraining Order against the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution  No. 11044-A, which disqualifies a candidate who has a pending appeal against a perpetual disqualification from public office judgment before the Office of the Ombudsman. 

In the en banc session of the high court Tuesday, the separate petitions of candidates Jonas Cortez of Mandaue City, Noel Rosal of Legazpi City and Michael Rama of Cebu City against the commission were 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 within receipt of notice,” SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said in a press conference.

Comelec underlines grounds for disqualification in 2025 polls 

In another consolidated case against the COMELEC filed by Rosal and his wife Carmen Geraldine Rosal and Alfonso Barizo, the court affirmed their disqualification during the 2022 national elections for violating the Omnibus Election Code. 

“Their disqualifications are for violating the Omnibus Election Code in relation with the disbursement and release of government funds during the prohibited period for a regular election,” Ting said.

SC orders Comelec to halt plebiscites for 3 new BARMM towns