SC stops adjustments of Sulu voting precincts 

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday stopped the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from adjusting the voting precincts in Sulu for the May 13 elections.

During the Supreme Court’s summer session, the High Court issued a status quo ante order (SQAO) against the order of the Comelec for clustering, de-clustering, transfer, alteration and establishment of several precincts in the province.

The SQAO specifically covers the 11 resolutions issued by the poll body last March 20.

The SC granted the urgent relief sought in the two petitions filed last Monday by reelectionist Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan and 2nd District congressional candidate Nurhaipa Berto as well as vice mayoralty bet Almedzar Hajiri.

In a press conference, SC spokesman Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka said that the SQAO means that the assailed Comelec resolutions cannot be implemented pending further orders from the Court. / gsg