SC bars cancellation of Sultan Kudarat gubernatorial bet’s COC

FILE PHOTO: The Supreme Court building in Ermita, Manila. INQUIRER /EDWIN BACASMAS

COTABATO CITY——The Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the cancellation of the candidacy (COC) of Sultan Kudarat gubernatorial hopeful Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, giving him another shot at the post on May 9.

According to lawyer Cyrus Torreña, the High Court’s decision keeps the candidacy of Mangudadatu valid, legal and legitimate.”

Earlier, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc, voting 4-2 last May 2, cancelled Mangudadatu’s certificate of candidacy owing to issues of residency.

Mangudadatu, son of incumbent Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto Mangudadatu, was mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanao province where his mother, Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu, is governor.

But Mangudadatu argued that he had resigned as mayor and had since resided in Lutayan town in Sultan Kudarat province since May last year.

Torreña said the TRO remains in effect until a new decision is promulgated by the Court. Both parties, he added, were given 10 days to comment on the recent decision.

He assured supporters that Mangudadatu’s candidacy will continue and that votes for him on May 9 will not be treated as stray votes.

/MUF