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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Poll lawyer says SC TRO on 'Oplan Baklas' to give poor bets strong fighting chance to level playing field

Poll lawyer says SC TRO on 'Oplan Baklas' to give poor bets strong fighting chance to level playing field

Published Mar 8, 2022 06:00 pm

A poll lawyer said the temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court on "Oplan Baklas" of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is a welcome development.

Romulo Macalintal

In a statement, lawyer Romulo Macalintal described the said development as a victory of those candidates who "do not have enough funds to sustain a nationwide campaign and who only depend upon the help and support of their volunteers."

"In this election 2022 where, for the first time, people from all walks of life are the ones spending for their candidates, the SC TRO will certainly give poor candidates a strong fighting chance to level the playing field in the political arena since it is now the private citizens who would do their own share in insuring that we elect only honest and competent leaders with utmost integrity," he said.

Macalintal said he never had any doubt that the SC would stop the Comelec from enforcing its resolution prohibiting election propaganda materials of whatever size prepared and posted by non-candidates on their own properties.

"I salute the SC for coming up with such a much needed injunction at this most opportune time to safefuard people's right of suffrage," he said.

The Comelec has yet to issue a statement on the SC TRO.

Related Tags

Supreme Court Oplan: Baklas Romulo Macalintal Comelec Commission on Elections TRO
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