Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 11) — The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday issued an order that effectively reinstates disqualified Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal and temporarily stops former Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. from assuming the post.
The high court said it is necessary to issue a status quo ante order, which would maintain the situation as it existed before the issuance of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolutions dated Oct. 4, 2022 and May 4, 2023 which disqualified Rosal.
The status quo ante order was in response to Rosal’s petition challenging the Comelec verdict against her. It also came a day after the poll body issued a certificate of finality on the disqualification case, citing non-intervention by the SC at the time.
The Comelec disqualified Rosal for her involvement in a cash assistance payout that coincided with the 45-day election spending ban last year. It also said the mayor is accountable “for giving money to influence, induce or corrupt voters” in violation of the election law.
Rosal shared the same fate as her husband Noel Rosal, who was also disqualified as governor over his involvement in the same cash aid distribution.
Without the SC intervention, the Special City Board of Canvassers of Legazpi City would have convened within 10 days from the finality of the May 4 resolution to proclaim Garbin – the second placer in the mayoral race – as elected mayor.
In a statement, the Comelec said it will abide by the court order.
“Said compliance of Comelec with established processes guarantees all parties to the case the opportunity to avail of all legal remedies under our jurisdiction,” the commission wrote.
