MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended the printing of 73 million ballots for the upcoming elections following a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court.
The TRO comes in response to the disqualification of five candidates, including former Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice, whose candidacies are under review.
Comelec made the announcement on Tuesday, confirming that the TRO has halted the printing process, a key step in preparing for the elections.
A TRO is a legal order that temporarily suspends the enforcement of a decision pending further investigation or resolution. In this case, it pertains to the contested disqualifications of the five candidates.
The disqualification of candidates is a common procedure in the Philippines, often arising from concerns about a candidate’s eligibility, including issues related to citizenship, residency, or alleged criminal activity.
By issuing the TRO, the Court ensures that the rights of the affected candidates are protected while the case is under review, balancing the enforcement of electoral laws with the legal rights of the individuals involved.
