Robredo pays P50,000 fine for violating gag order on electoral protest

Vice President Leni Robredo has paid the P50,000 fine imposed by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal’s (PET) against her and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for discussing the electoral protest in public despite its warning.

The Vice President’s camp’s announcement that it has already paid the fine came a day after Marcos complied with the PET’s order.

At the same time, the Robredo camp also submitted a “manifestation with an urgent motion for clarification” asking the PET about the specific statements made by Robredo and her counsels that were considered in violation of the sub judice rule or the rule against public discussion of the merits of cases pending in court.

The manifestation took note that the PET, in its June 16, 2018 resolution only mentioned of the statements made by Marcos regarding the condition of the ballot boxes undergoing revision (e.g., recently wet ballots, missing audit logs).

“While the Honorable Tribunal specifically took note of said statements, its resolution did not point to any specific statement made by protestee Robredo and her counsels which could be considered as a violation of the sub judice rule,” read the manifestation.

They said they are seeking guidance and reference “in making any media releases.”

Robredo’s lead counsel, Romulo Macalintal, explained that they had to act in self-defense in order to dispel the malicious statements of Marcos.   /vvp

READ:  Robredo, Marcos both fined for violating gag order; Bongbong honors payment