The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Supreme Court (SC) of the Philippines today dismissed the disqualification case against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who will run for Representative of the Second District of Pampanga in May. The disqualification case was filed by Representative Risa Hontiveros of Akbayan Partylist.

According to GMA News Online, SC spokesperson Midas Marquez disclosed that the en banc's ruling on the case was “unanimous.”

“There is no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Comelec,” Marquez said on the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

On the other hand, Hontiveros said in ABS-CBN News Online that Arroyo “has all the powers and resources... that will definitely prejudice the chances of any opposing candidate in any electoral competition against her."

The Left-leaning senatorial candidate added that she “will do everything to ensure” that Liberal Party candidate Adonis Simpao will “stand a good chance” against Arroyo. Simpao is likewise running for Representative in Pampanga's Second District.

Meanwhile, Arroyo's legal counsel Romeo Macalintal said that the Chief Executive is “happy that there [is] no more any legal issue and... that the Supreme Court made the prompt determination of the case."

Hontiveros cited Section VII, Article 4 of the Philippine Constitution as the basis of the disqualification case against Arroyo. The constitutional provision stated that a Chief Executive "shall not be eligible for any re-election."

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites