SC issues more TROs vs. Comelec to allow more candidates to run in May polls

MANILA -- The Supreme Court issued another set of temporary restraining orders against the Commission on Elections to allow three individuals to run for local positions in the May 12 elections. 

In a statement issued Friday night, the high court issued the TROs in favor of Marie Grace David whose Petition for Substitution and Inclusion in the Official List of Candidates and Ballots for Vice-Mayor of Limay, Bataan was earlier dismissed by the poll body.

The SC likewise issued a TRO against the Comelec’s declaration of Mary Dominique Oñate a nuisance candidate for mayor of Palompon, Leyte.

The SC also ruled in favor of Aldrin Sta. Ana whose Certificate of Candidacy for Bocaue mayor was canceled by the poll body.

“The SC also prevented the Comelec from deleting Sta. Ana’s name among the candidates for Bocaue Mayor,” the high court said.

The SC high court also asked the commission to comment within a non-extendible period of 15 days upon receipt of notice in David’s case and 10 days in Oñate’s and Sta. Ana’s case.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia meanwhile said this won't be a problem since they have yet to start reprinting the official ballots.

“We have yet to resume our printing so we have no problem complying with the SC injunctive writs at this point for local positions," he said via text message.