Petitioner asks SC to conduct daily oral arguments on Poe DQ case

Presidential bet Senator Grace Poe. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO 

One of the petitioners in the disqualification case against Senator Grace Poe asked the Supreme Court to conduct a daily oral arguments on the case due to time constraints.

In a motion for continuous hearings, Atty. Estrella Elamparo said after oral arguments last January 19 and 26, only Poe was able to present her arguments before the high court.

The case is about the twin petitions filed by the senator against the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc canceling her certificate of candidacy for president.

Elamparo added Comelec as well as herself and the other petitioners including former Senator Francisco “Kit” Tatad, former UE Law Dean Amado Valdez and Law Professor Antonio Contreras have yet to present their arguments.

“Considering that at least six representatives from among the public and private respondents are slated to do their presentations, it is anticipated that it will take more than one hearing day to complete the oral arguments,” Elamparo said.

Furthermore, she said that the Comelec itself has already delayed the printing of ballots to February 8 to give way to the proceedings before the high court.

“Considering that time is of the essence and the importance of resolving this case soonest for the guidance of the electorate, petitioner most humbly requests that the oral arguments be set continuously on a daily basis, if possible, until completion,” Elamparo said.

The high court’s oral argument is set to resume its oral arguments next Tuesday with the Comelec presenting its arguments. RAM

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