SC affirms disqualification of Marinduque lawmaker

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court stood pat in its ruling affirming the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) decision disqualifying Marinduque Representative Regina Ongsiako-Reyes.

Voting 5-4, the high court dismissed the motion for reconsideration filed by Reyes that has questioned the Comelec’s May 14, 2013 ruling. Reyes was disqualified by the Comelec for being an American citizen.

In its ruling, Comelec said Reyes failed to present any legal and factual basis to support her argument that while she got her US citizenship after marrying an American citizen, she has not yet undergone naturalization.

The high court said Reyes failed to show that the Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion.

The Justices who voted for her disqualification are Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Associate Justices Jose Perez, Teresita Leonardo De Castro, Roberto Abad and Bienvenido Reyes.

Dissenting justices are Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Associate Justices Arturo Brion, Martin Villarama and Marvic Leonen.

On the other hand, Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Jose Mendoza and Perlas-Bernardo took no part in the proceedings.
While the ruling did not state that it was with finality, high court spokesman Theodore Te pointed at a press conference said that the ruling was on a motion for reconsideration.

Under the rules, a second motion for reconsideration is no longer allowed.

Related stories

Marinduque solon withdraws SC case

House recognizes Reyes as Marinduque rep; rival Velasco opts to skip Sona

We’ve done our part, Comelec says of Marinduque proclamation