SC releases resolution stopping ouster of partylists

The Supreme Court building in Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court has finally released the resolution allowing disqualified partylist groups to participate in the 2013 elections.

In a two-page resolution, the high court issued the status quo ante in favor of Ako Bicol (AKB), Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (Apec), Aksyon Magsasaka-Partidoo Tinig ng Masa (Akma-PTM), Kapatiran ng mga Nakulong na Walang Sala, Inc. (Kakusa), 1^ST Consumers Alliance for Rural Energy Inc (1-Care), Association for Righteousness Advocacy on Leadership (Aral) and Alliance for Rural Concerns (ARC).

An SQA is issued to preserve the last actual peaceable and uncontested status before the litigation or filing of a petition which means it is as if there is no resolution disqualifying them.

“The Court resolved to require the parties to observe the status quo prevailing before the issuance of the assailed Comelec resolutions,” the high court said.

At the same time, the high court gave the Comelec 10 non-extendible days to comment.

The groups assail the Comelec ruling saying their rights to due process were violated it automatically disqualified them without giving them the chance to explain their side.