Brillantes warns bets despite airtime TRO

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

He says once TRO is lifted and Comelec wins SC case, 'the meter will run again'

MANILA, Philippines – Rejoice and place more advertisements – at your own risk.

The Supreme Court (SC), after all, has not issued a final decision on airtime limits, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair Sixto Brillantes Jr warned candidates on Thursday, April 18. The SC on Thursday said it issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) – not a status quo ante order, as it earlier said – on the Comelec’s airtime rules.

Kung ma-sustain ang petitioner, eh ‘di okay lang. Eh kung hindi? Eh kung tama pala kami? Eh ako naman, hanggang ngayon naniniwala na tama kami,” Brillantes told reporters. (If the petitioners are sustained, then it’s okay. But what if they aren’t? What if we’re right? On my part, until now I believe we’re right.)

Brillantes said while the TRO is in effect, the Comelec cannot run after candidates for exceeding the airtime limits.

Pero as soon as the TRO is lifted and they say panalo kami, tama ang ginawa namin, takbo na naman ang metro,” he said. (But as soon as the TRO is lifted and they say we won, we’re right, then the meter will run again.)

Brillantes, however, admitted the poll body is unsure about what will happen next. “Everything becomes confused because of a temporary issuance.” (Watch more in the video below.)

Tingnan natin,” he added. “Bahalang sumugal lahat ng tao.” (Let’s see. Everyone is free to take his own gamble.)

Will Brillantes resign?

Brillantes earlier criticized the SC for putting election reforms “in limbo.” Feeling “very, very disappointed” with the SC, he blasted the high court for delays in cases involving the Comelec.

Brillantes said the Comelec will soon ask the SC to resolve the merits of the airtime case.

Will he push through with his plan to resign over the SC’s orders? A teary-eyed Brillantes threatened to quit last Tuesday.

Brillantes on Thursday said he will think, even meditate, about this during the weekend. “I’ll make a final decision by Monday,” he said.

The chairman said he will consult his children – who, from the very beginning, opposed his decision to agree to become Comelec chair.

Matagal na nilang ayaw ako dito. Pinagagalitan na nila ako noon pa,” he said, noting his children said he shouldn’t have taken the job due to his old age. (They’ve long discouraged me from working here. They’ve been scolding me long ago.)

He added he could dispense with his proposed meeting with President Benigno Aquino III. Anyway, Brillantes said, the President has appointed two new Comelec commissioners – a main reason why he wanted to meet Aquino.

Brillantes also cited the two new commissioners’ appointment as an argument for his resignation. “Kaya nga puwede na ako magpahinga dahil anim na. Puwede na sila,” he said. (That’s why I can now relax because there’s already 6 of them. They can do it.)

The Palace on Thursday said it has appointed Luie Guia, head of an election watchdog, and Al Parreño, an information technology expert, as new Comelec commissioners. – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Avatar photo

author

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com