SC stops Cabadbaran recall election

CABADBARAN, Agusan del Norte, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a temporary restraining order stopping the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from proceeding with the recall election against the mayor of this city.

In a three-page resolution dated April 24, the high tribunal granted the petition of Mayor Katrina Marie Mortola to stop the recall election set on May 5.

Supporters of defeated mayoral bet Judy Amante, who sought the recall election, said they have submitted their comment on Mortola’s petition even as they expressed optimism that the SC would reverse its ruling. 

The petitioners cited loss of confidence on Mortola’s leadership.

The poll body set the filing of certificates of candidacy for the recall election on April 19 and 20. Mortola and Amante filed their COCs on April 19.

In a resolution issued last March 20, the poll body ordered Comelec officer Mark Christer Sorilla to certify that the number of voters who signed the recall petition is sufficient. It also ordered the office of the executive director for operations to prepare the calendar of activities.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, recall elections should be held within the year before the next regular local election.