Bongbong seeks SC justice’s inhibition in poll protest

MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. yesterday sought the inhibition of Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa from his electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo before the Supreme Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET).

In a 13-page urgent motion, Marcos said Caguioa should recuse himself from further handling the case due to his association with Robredo and the Liberal Party.

“Associate Justice Caguioa cannot deny that he is biased towards the ‘yellow brigade’ given his close ties with his friend and former boss, former president Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III,” he alleged, noting that the two men were classmates from grade school to college at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Marcos also informed the High Court that Caguioa’s wife, Pier Angela, was an anti-Marcos advocate and actively campaigned for Robredo in 2016.

As ponente or member-in-charge of the case, Caguioa oversees the progress and ultimate disposition of the election protest.

Marcos stressed that Caguioa should immediately recuse himself from his protest in order not to taint the other members of the PET of any bias or impropriety.

Robredo’s lawyer, Romulo Macalintal, said Marcos’ motion is simply meant to delay the proceedings.