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Albayanos hail SC TRO for ousted gov

By Rhaydz B. Barcia


ALBAYANOS from all walks of life are celebrating after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) from implementing a resolution that cancelled ousted Governor Noel Rosal’s certificate of candidacy (COC) for the gubernatorial race in Albay in the May 12, 2025, polls.


The high court’s issuance of G.R. No. 277739, Noel Ebriega Rosal v. COMELEC and Josefino Valenzuela Dioquino, halts the COMELEC’s resolutions against Rosal. Additionally, the Supreme Court ordered the COMELEC to comment on Rosal’s petition within a non-extendable period of five days. Rosal had contested the cancellation of his COC, which was based on a plea by respondent Josefino Valenzuela Dioquino.


Dioquino argued that Rosal’s COC should be automatically cancelled due to his dismissal from service by the Ombudsman, a penalty that includes perpetual disqualification from holding public office. With the TRO in place, political analysts anticipate a neck-and-neck battle between Rosal and former lawmaker Joey Sarte Salceda in the upcoming gubernatorial elections.


Support for Electoral Freedom Bicol University professor Agnes Jacob Nepomuceno welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of suffrage. “This is it! The reckoning time. Let the freedom of suffrage rule,” she posted shortly after the TRO was issued.


Rep. Fernando Cabredo of Albay’s third district and Ligao City Mayor Fernando Gonzalez lauded the Supreme Court’s decision. They highlighted that the Albayanos would now have the chance to choose their rightful leader through their votes.


Albayanos’ Collective Plea Days prior to the TRO issuance, Albayanos, braving heavy rains, gathered at the St. Stephen the Protomartyr Parish Church compound in Ligao City.


They prayed the rosary, carrying an image of the Virgin Mary, and implored the Supreme Court justices to grant the TRO, emphasizing their desire for fair and democratic elections. Fr. Dennis Postrado of St. Michael Parish in Oas led a “Prayer for Justice and Clarity in Leadership,” asking for divine guidance for the justices:


“Grant wisdom to the institutions tasked with ensuring fairness and justice, especially the courts and electoral bodies. May they carry out their duties with integrity, free from bias and undue influence.”


He also prayed for equal opportunities for candidates, urging unity and peace in Albay amid the political tension.


“Nuestra Señora de Salvación, Heavenly Queen of Albay, intercede for us. Guide us that we may remain steadfast in hope and faithful to God’s will.”


Church’s Call for Social Justice and Democracy Fr. Jose Barranda, parochial vicar of Sto. Domingo Parish, addressed over 5,000 attendees, stressing that the Church stands for social justice and democracy, not favoritism.


“Social justice promotes the welfare of every person, ensuring equal privileges and opportunities, regardless of status,” he said, citing provisions from the 1987 Philippine Constitution.


Barranda also emphasized the importance of fair play in democracy.


“Let the people choose without undue influence. The humanization of law is the highest spirit of law. Salus populi est suprema lex—the welfare of the people is the highest law.”


Prayers for Justice Supporters, including youth leader Nonilyn Orogo from Guinobatan, also recited prayers during the gathering:


“May the Supreme Court be guided by truth, justice, and righteousness. Grant them clarity and discernment as they address the matters before them.”


The collective prayers and peaceful demonstrations reflect the Albayanos’ hope for justice, democratic processes, and a future defined by their freely chosen leadership.

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