SC: Comelec erred in disqualifying Smartmatic

“While the SC acknowledged the power of the Comelec , the Comelec itself did not comply with its own procedures in its bidding and awards committee, which was antithetical to the appropriations law that applied,” SC spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting told reporters at a press conference in Baguio City.

The high court cited considerations of equity, justice, practicality and the doctrine of operative fact when it arrived at its decision. Smartmatic questioned Comelec’s decision before the SC through a petition for certiorari and had sought a temporary restraining order and a writ of preliminary injunction , asking the Court to stop the poll body from implementing the disqualification.

“En banc meeting is ongoing. We are discussing it now,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said in reaction to the high court’s decision. “We are thankful that this will not affect the conduct of public bidding, awarded contract. So that there will be no obstacles in the Comelec’s preparations for the automation of the 2025 polls,” he said. “There are things that must continue because it is for the greater interest, it’s for the polls.”

Since 2010, Smartmatic has partnered with Comelec in the conduct of automated elections. After five automated elections, Smartmatic said the Philippines is now among the world’s top-rated countries for citizens’ trust in their elections.The number of those aspiring toparticipate in the midterm elections next year has already surpassed the two million mark, according to the Comelec.

A total of 3,137 aspiring voters filed their applications before the Comelec main office in Intramuros. Of the total applicants, 1,079,138 are females while 1,003,606 are males.

Sc

Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Comelec committed grave abuse in disqualifying Smartmatic —SCThe Commission on Elections committed grave abuse of discretion when it disqualified service provider Smartmatic before it submitted any bid, according to a Supreme Court ruling.
Source: gmanews - 🏆 11. / 68 Read more »

Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion in disqualifying Smartmatic — SCThe Commission on Elections has committed grave abuse of discretion after it disqualified election service provider Smartmatic for the 2025 automated election system bid, the Supreme Court said.
Source: PhilstarNews - 🏆 1. / 94 Read more »

SC rules: Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion for disqualifying SmartmaticSunStar Publishing Inc.
Source: sunstaronline - 🏆 18. / 59 Read more »

Supreme Court: Comelec wrong to disqualify Smartmatic 2025 bidHowever, the SC says the ruling has no effect on the election award already granted to another company
Source: rapplerdotcom - 🏆 4. / 86 Read more »

Smartmatic disqualified from Comelec procurements —GarciaThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified service provider Smartmatic from all procurements, Comelec Chairman George Garcia announced Wednesday.
Source: gmanews - 🏆 11. / 68 Read more »

Smartmatic decries ‘unfair’ disqualification from Comelec procurementsTechnology provider Smartmatic on Thursday questioned its disqualification from all procurements of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), saying that the basis for such were false and non-existent.
Source: gmanews - 🏆 11. / 68 Read more »