Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Supreme Court is set to hear Tuesday afternoon (January 19), Sen. Grace Poe’s petitions seeking to overturn the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cancel her certificate of candidacy (COC) for president.
Two issues will be at the heart of today’s oral arguments for Sen. Grace Poe’s case: her citizenship and residency.
Her two cases against Comelec’s first and second divisions have been consolidated.
On citizenship, the court shall ask: Did Poe commit material misrepresentation when she stated in her certificate of candidacy that she is a natural-born Filipino?
Both the petitioners and respondents need to answer matters including “Is Poe considered as a natural-born citizen under Section One, Article Four of the 1935 Constitution?”
The high tribunal is also expected to resolve the role of international law on the matter of citizenship.
On residency, the court shall ask: Did Poe commit a material misrepresentation by stating in her COC that her period of residency up to the day before the May 9, 2016 election is 10 years and 11 months?
Parties then, are expected to argue — “Was Poe able to prove that she reestablished her domicile in the Philippines on May 24, 2005?”
Solicitor General Florin Hilbay was also directed to participate during the oral arguments, despite his manifestation that he will not represent Comelec.
Poe through her counsel will deliver an opening statement for 10 minutes.
Immediately after that, the justices will begin their interpellation. It is the member in charge who will ask first, while the Chief Justice will ask last.
After Poe, it will be the turn of Comelec followed by private respondents Elamparo, Tatad, Contreras and Valdez.
In an interview upon her arrival in the Supreme Court, Poe said: “Whatever decision of SC, we’re ready to accept it.”
Tune in at 2 p.m. for the oral arguments.
CNN Philippines’ AC Nicholls contributed to this report.
