Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 16) — The Senate Electoral Tribunal has dismissed the quo warranto petitions seeking to declare Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III ineligible for the post of lawmaker for the term 2019 to 2025.
The consolidated petitions argued that Pimentel exhausted the two-term limit for senators under the Constitution since he was elected in 2007, 2013, and 2019.
Pimentel thanked the tribunal for its “well-reasoned decision.”
However, the tribunal in its June 3 decision released on Tuesday, ruled that Pimentel did not enjoy the full 2007-2013 term. Pimentel only assumed office in August 2011, when the SET then ruled in his favor in his electoral protest, proclaiming him as the rightful winner in the 2007 polls.
“Being an interrupted term, the 2007-2013 senatorial term cannot be counted against respondent for purposes of counting the term limit,” the SET said, noting that Pimentel only served for one year and 10 months instead of a full six-year term.
“We hope this decision contributes to the development of case law on the issue just as our arguments have led to the possible amendment and improvement of the SET Rules,” Pimentel said.
“Wherefore, the instant consolidated petitions for quo warranto are hereby dismissed for lack of merit,” the SET added.
The order was signed by Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe, along with other members of the SET, composed of Supreme Court justices and senators.
