SC to continue oral arguments on Poe DQ

MANILA, Philippines - Oral arguments on Sen. Grace Poe’s petition against  the Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s cancellation of her certificate of candidacy for president are set to continue this afternoon at the Supreme Court (SC).

Six SC justices have completed the grilling of Poe’s lawyer Alex Poblador last Jan. 19.

Eight or nine more justices, depending on whether newly appointed Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa would be sitting, would have their turn in the interpellation.

Justices who have finished questioning Poblador were Associate Justices Mariano del Castillo, Antonio Carpio, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, Jose Perez, Teresita Leonardo-de Castro and Diosdado Peralta.

Associate Justice Marvic Leonen started his interpellation last week and might still continue with his questioning today before giving the opportunity to the other justices, including Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, to raise their queries with Poe’s lawyer.

Other respondents will also present their positions:   former senator Francisco Tatad, De La Salle University political science professor Amado Contreras, former University of the East College of Law dean Amado Valdez and lawyer Estrella Elamparo. Tatad’s lawyer Manuelito Luna said they have been prepared to face the justices since Jan. 19.