CNN Philippines correspondent Melissa Lopez contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1, 2022) — A regional trial court in Baguio City has issued a 72-hour temporary restraining order against the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for its resolution requiring permits before staging in-person election activities.
Judge Maria Ligaya Itliong Rivera signed the two-page order dated Feb. 28 seeking to cease and desist the implementation of Comelec Resolution No. 10732 for 72 hours.
Upon the request of 10 petitioners who are supporters of presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo, Itliong also ordered the poll body to avoid demanding campaign permits from volunteers and volunteer groups for any election activity, as they “would suffer grave and irreparable injury” to their rights of freedom of expression and assembly.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said on Monday that the poll body has not yet received a copy of the order.
“No I have not seen that yet, I would expect that would be handled by the regional campaign committee,” he said. “I don’t know that the RTC has jurisdiction over Comelec.”
Section 22 of Comelec Resolution No. 10732 states that a candidate, his duly authorized representative, or a representative of an accredited political party, party-list or coalition must secure a permit and present the Special Power of Attorney at the moment of filing.
The resolution was issued to ensure COVID-19 safety protocols are being followed in the country’s first ever pandemic elections.
