SC resumes oral arguments on Poe disqualification today

The Supreme Court (SC) resumes this afternoon (Jan. 26) its hearing of oral arguments on two cases that challenged the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) disqualification of Sen. Grace Poe as a presidential candidate in the May elections. Some justices are expected to continue with their interpellation on the arguments raised by Poe during the arguments last week. Poe, through her lawyer Alexander Poblador, responded to the justices on questions that ranged from her use of US passport until 2009 to her dual citizenship from 2006 to 2010. In today’s hearing, Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, while he had manifested he will not represent the Comelec in the two cases, will also argue as “tribune of the people.” Thereafter, the Comelec will present its arguments, followed by Estrella Elamparo, Francisco Tatad, Antonio Contreras, and Amado Valdez – the complainants against Poe in the poll body. In a 5-2 vote, the Comelec en [...]