SC weighs Poe’s petition vs cancellation of COC

The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on the consolidated petition of Senator Grace Poe to reverse the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) canceling her certificate of candidacy (COC) to run for President in the May 2016 elections.

Six draft opinions have been submitted and is being circulated to the 15 member high court.

Among the draft opinions are from Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Associate Justices Mariano del Castillo, Arturo Brion, Marvic Leonen and Jose Perez.

Aside from the six, sources said other justices may still submit their separate opinions within the day.

The high court is expected to vote Tuesday on the case.

It has conducted a total of five oral arguments on the case.

It also asked the Office of the Solicitor General to give its side on the case as tribune of the people.

The Comelec ordered the cancellation of Poe’s  COC for allegedly committing material misrepresentation when she declared that she is a natural born Filipino citizen and has met the 10 year residency requirement required for presidential aspirants under the Constitution.

READ: Comelec defends DQ ruling on Poe

However, the Comelec still included Poe’s name in the ballots after the high court issued a temporary restraining order last Dec. 28, 2015. CDG

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