SC stops Comelec's DQ order on Ako Bicol, 3 others

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday stopped the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from implementing its order disqualifying four party-list groups to run in the May 13, 2013 mid-term elections.

During the en banc deliberations of the SC, the justices issued a status quo ante order (SQA) against Comelec and granted the petitions of the four party-list groups, namely Ako Bicol, APEC, 1CARE and Alliance on Rural Concerns, to bar Comelec from implementing its disqualification order.

The SC issued the order to prevent the Comelec from delisting the names of the four party-list groups who were already accredited previously by the Comelec.

It considered the essence of time before the December 2012 printing of the ballots to be undertaken by the Comelec.

The SC also ordered the Comelec to explain or comment on the petitions filed by the four party-list groups.

The SC is expected to rule on the merits of the case before Feb. 12, 2013, which is the start of the campaign period for the party-list groups.

It also ordered the consolidation of the four petitions which contain the same factual issues.