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SC orders Francis Leo Antonio Marcos to explain withdrawal from 2025 elections

Philippines | National

SC orders Francis Leo Antonio Marcos to explain withdrawal from 2025 elections

By Rey G. Panaligan

The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered Francis Leo Antonio Marcos to explain why he should not be cited in contempt “for his actions which tend to bring the SC’s processes into disrepute or disrespect.”

Francis Marcos was a senatorial aspirant who was disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for being a nuisance candidate.

He elevated his disqualification before the SC which issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) last Jan. 21 against the Comelec’s ruling and allowed him to pursue his candidacy for a Senate seat in the May 12 elections.

However, two days after the issuance of the TRO, Francis Marcos, an internet personality, withdrew his candidacy.

"When I heard Chairman [George] Garcia's statement that the government will spend P132 million just for the printing of new ballots, if I have love for the country I should show how to be of help,” he said.

He declared: "So, the money of the people will be spent for nothing. So, if I am the only reason for the government to spend [that amount of] money, I don’t want that to be a burden. There are still many more elections, I am formally withdrawing my candidacy. This is it."

During a press briefing, SC Spokesperson lawyer Camille Sue Mae L. Ting said that Francis Marcos was given 72 hours from receipt of the SC notice to explain why he should not be cited in contempt of court.

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