2 more disqualified party-lists get SC relief

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) prohibiting the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from enforcing its decision to disqualify two party-list groups from the May 2022 elections.

The SC en banc issued the TRO in favor of Ang Programang Aasenso Taumbayan-Dream, Act, Participate and Advocate for Sustainable Transformation or Apat-Dapat party-list and Ugyon Mangunguma, Mangingisda Kag Mamumugon Nga Ilonggo.

The SC said the groups’ petitions appear to be sufficient in form and substance.

The high tribunal ordered the Comelec to respond to the petitions within 10 days after receiving the notice.

The organizations filed their petitions before the SC, questioning the Comelec’s resolution that dismissed their registration as party-lists.

Disqualified party-list groups Igorot Warriors International Inc. and the Alliance for Resilience, Sustainability and Empowerment were able to secure a TRO from the high court on Dec. 17.

Similar petitions filed by Ang Tinig ng Seniors Citizens sa Filipinas Inc., Lingkud Bayanihan Party and the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for Peace and Development were granted by the SC on Wednesday.