SC warns Marcos, Robredo camps vs discussing poll protest case

MANILA, Philippines — With speculations rife about the results of the initial election recount in the poll protest case filed by losing candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. against Vice President Leni Robredo, the Supreme Court again reminded the Marcos and Robredo camps not to discuss the case publicly.

“I would like to remind the parties and their lawyers to respect the order of the court not to comment or  speak to the media about the case under the sub judice rule,” Supreme Court spokesperson Brian Hosaka said on Wednesday.

The warning came after the court, acting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), again deferred on Tuesday its announcement on the results of the test recount in three provinces, namely Iloilo, Negros Oriental and Camarines Sur.

The PET received the report of the results four weeks ago, on Sept. 10.

Hosaka said making public statements about an ongoing legal case could get one cited in contempt of court. He said the tribunal would not respond to speculations, and that the case was being carefully reviewed by the justices.