SC issues TROs for 5 candidates barred by COMELEC

The Supreme Court has issued temporary restraining orders (TROs) against the Commission on Elections for its decisions preventing certain individuals from participating as candidates in the 2025 national and local elections.

In an En Banc session Tuesday, the high court ruled in favor of candidates Subair Guinthum Mustapha, Charles Savellano, Chito Bulatao Balintay, Edgar Erice, and Florendo de Ramos Ritualo Jr.

The court ordered Comelec to comment on the petitions of Mustapha and Savellano within five days from receipt of notice, directing it to accept their COCs for Senate and Ilocos Sur's First District Representative positions, respectively.

Balintay was granted a TRO against the rejection of his certificate of candidacy for Zambales Governor, while Ritualo received one against the rejection of his certificate for Sangguniang Panlungsod Member in San Juan City's First District.

Erice, who was disqualified by Comelec from running for Representative of Caloocan City’s Second District, also benefited from a TRO issued by the Supreme Court.

The court emphasized that lack of campaign funds does not disqualify candidates as nuisance candidates and ordered Comelec to include their names on the ballot.