Just in: the Comelec ordered the cancellation of Grace Poe’s certificate of candidacy, according to local reports.
Local news report that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified Grace Poe from the 2016 presidential race for failing to meet the residency requirements for presidential candidates, as provided under the Constitution.
The decision was made in a 34-page resolution, in response to the petition filed by lawyer Estrella Elamparo who sought the cancellation of Poe’s certificate of candidacy.
The Comelec second division voted 3-0 in favor of Elamparo’s petition.
According to Article VII, Section 2 of the Philippine Constitution:
Section 2. No person may be elected President unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least forty years of age on the day of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately preceding such election.
Reports state that Poe became a resident in July 2006 when she became a dual citizen, two months short of the 10-year rule. Poe’s lawyers, however, insist that Poe acquired residency in May 2005.
Poe’s camp will reportedly appeal the decision with the Comelec.
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