SC stops Comelec from installing new Legazpi mayor

MANILA, Philippines —  Carmen Geraldine Rosal remains mayor of Legazpi City.

The Supreme Court (SC) issued yesterday a status quo ante order, stopping the installation of second placer Alfredo Garbin Jr.

The SC ordered the Commission on Elections, Rosal and Garbin to maintain the status quo in the local government unit prior to the issuance of Comelec resolutions, which disqualified Rosal for violating the 45-day spending ban in the May 2022 polls.

“File your respective consolidated comments on the instant petitions within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice hereof and observe the status quo prevailing before the issuance of Comelec Resolutions dated Oct. 4, 2022 and May 4, 2023,” the SC order read, referring to the respondents.

On Wednesday, the Comelec issued a certificate of finality and entry of judgment on the disqualification of Rosal as it declared Garbin as the duly elected mayor.

The Comelec said Rosal joined an activity for the payout of cash aid to tricycle drivers 40 days before election day.

Rosal and Vice Mayor  Oscar Robert Cristobal filed a petition for a temporary restraining order or injunction.

Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco said the poll body received a copy of the SC order yesterday.

”As we have consistently committed, the Comission on Elections will abide and comply with any order, ruling or directive of the highest court of the land,” Laudiangco said.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia was supposed to issue a writ of execution on Rosal’s disqualification yesterday. – Evelyn Macairan