SC affirms disqualification of winning candidate in Marinduque poll

Marinduque Rep. Regina Reyes INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed with finality the disqualification of Regina Ongsiako-Reyes in the congressional race in Marinduque despite winning in the May 2013 race.

“The Court denied the second motion for reconsideration filed by the petitioner.  The decision of the Court is now final,” high court’s information chief Theodore Te said at a press conference.

Reyes was disqualified by the Comelec for failure to renounce her American citizenship as required of candidates with dual citizenships.

Reyes’ disqualification case has reached the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET). Reyes withdrew her appeal at the Supreme Court.

However, the high court still ruled on her motion for reconsideration last October, saying she 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.