“More importantly, we cannot disregard a fact basic in this controversy that before the proclamation of Reyes on May 18, 2013, the Comelec en banc had already finally disposed of the issue of her lack of Filipino citizenship and residency via a Resolution dated May 14, 2013. After May 14, 2013, there was, before the Comelec, no longer any pending case on Reyes’ disqualification to rune for the position of member of the House of Representatives. We will inexcusably disregard this fact if we accept the argument of Reyes that the Comelec was ousted of jurisdiction when she was proclaimed, which was four days after the Comelec en banc decision. The board of canvassers which proclaimed Reyes cannot by such act be allowed to render nugatory a decision of the Comelec en banc which affirmed a decision of the Comelec first division,” the SC said. “In view of the foregoing, the instant petition is dismissed, finding no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Commission on Elections. The May 14, 2013 resolution of the Comelec en banc affirming the March 27, 2013 resolution of the Comelec first division is upheld,” the SC ruled. tribuneonline.org/index.php/headlines/item/15988-sc-resolves-jurisdiction-issue-in-poll-contest
Posted on: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 09:04:05 +0000