SC denies Comelec’s plea for early oral argument on Poe case

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC)  on Tuesday dismissed the urgent motion filed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to conduct early oral arguments on the petition of presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe.

Aside from affirming its decision, the SC in its en banc session also issued the consolidated petitions requesting to cancel Poe’s certificate of candidacy for president in the 2016 polls.

In its advisory on Wednesday, the SC said there will be a preliminary conference for the parties involved in Poe’s disqualification case on January 14, 10 a.m. at the SC in Manila.

The Comelec earlier asked the court to move the oral arguments to an earlier date as it will finalize on January 20 the official list of candidates in the national and local elections.

On Tuesday, the SC also affirmed the temporary restraining orders to stop the disqualification of Poe.