In a statement released yesterday, Global Filipino Nation convenor Victor Barrios called the temporary restraining order issued by the Philippine Supreme Court to stop the appointment of OICs under Republic Act No. 10153 a “supremacy of democracy over autocracy”.
International observers in last Philippine national elections. L-R: Romy Cayabyab (Australia), Victor Barrios (United States), Jun Aguilar (Philippines) and Ted Aquino (United States)
The GFN statement added: “The TRO strikes a blow to the implementation of RA 10153, the law synchronizing the ARMM and 2013 elections. There will be no OICs for the region.”
The GFN statement was issued in light of the SC’s order issued Tuesday September 13 which blocked Malacañang from appointing officers-in-charge of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The ARMM election as mandated by RA 9054 was scheduled last month but was cancelled by RA 10153 in order for the ARMM elections to be synchronised with the 2013 polls.
RA 10153 also provides for the appointment of officers in charge for the regional governor, vice governor, and members of the regional legislative assembly.
According to reports, the TRO was issued by the high court en banc on a 8-4 vote. The order was effective as from date of issue and would be enforced “until lifted”.
Given the SC order, the ARMM incumbents whose office expires on September 30 will remain in their position until their successors are duly elected or are qualified by the Supreme Court as provided for by RA 9054, ARMM’s organic law.
The temporary restraining order was issued as the Supreme Court has yet to decide with finality on the petitions questioning the constitutionality of RA 10153.
Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal and ex-senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. were among the parties that questioned the constitutionality of RA 10153.
